A business needs people to survive. A business owner needs a network of people to thrive! We’ve often heard about how important it is to network with people. There are different ways to develop your business through networking. You have tried business parties, training programs, and exchange programs. Think of your own family— each of you has different roles to play. And the stronger your relationship is with each other, the happier your family will grow to be. You are probably well aware of the benefits of networking but feel like you could do more. We’re here to tell you how.

Get better at something else
Asking you to invest your time in something other than that which is related to your business may sound like bad advice. Can your business gain if you are meeting people who do not share your business interests? Doing this will help you tap into potential clients. For example, as a pharmacist, people will come to you for medical advice. If you enjoy a sport and pursue it, you could meet athletes. They will most likely connect with you when they have physical injuries that need treatment. Even if there is no immediate gain, you could make good friends. They could recommend you to their friends who share your business interests. We often make the mistake of networking only within our established niche. Consider looking outside the circle. The results could surprise you!

Build your personal brand
It is easy to network through social media following, school friends, common interest groups, etc. We add ourselves to these groups. Say hello every once in a while. But to stand out you need to be unforgettable. For someone to notice and remember you, you need to give them something that is unique to you. And what better way than bringing to the table what nobody else can? Think about what it is that makes you unique— your selling point. Use this as leverage and make it a part of your personal brand. Like your business, you need an elevator pitch for yourself too. Highlight your USP and offer to teach your skills to others. If you have great communication skills, highlight that. Prepare a brief course that helps people with improving their public speaking skills. All of this goes a long way in establishing a brand for yourself.

Connect!
Networking is not just about meeting people. It is about making those meetings effective, and building connections. We often attend networking sessions and hand out our business cards. These cards lie in people’s wallets, unseen for months or years. To make networking work for you, truly connecting with people is a must. Take a keen interest in what they have to say. If what they are offering interests you, be sure to let them know. Offer honest feedback. People are likely to engage with you when you sound sincere. Take the time to comment on someone’s post instead of hitting the ‘like’ button. Send them a DM that is well thought out. Tell them about their recent product that you find interesting. In doing so you will leave an impression and open the door for a genuine connection. You will soon see them reciprocating.