5 Tips On How To Become A Great Networker

Especially to a newbie in business, the term "networking" might prove to be a daunting task. The mere thought of you, barging in a roomful of people who already have established ties with each other, and worse - trying to force yourself into their world - is indeed scary. You feel every gaze, and think everyone whispering is asking, "Do you know her?" It's like transferring to a new school in your senior year - but you just have no choice but to try and fit in.

But you can turn this situation around and make it work for you. Do that, or just stand next to that water cooler and hope that someone comes by so that you can hand him your card. Pathetic, right? Instead of doing that, why not try to prove to people that you are just as competent as they are? Here are a few tips on how to be an effective networker…

Be real. Don't pretend to be someone you're not - people will see through your fakery and get turned off forever. If it's your first time to go and network, be humble, don't come barging in as though you own the place and appear as though you're going to knock every one's brains out. Oftentimes, people with this attitude are insecure and are overcompensating for their lack of competence and expertise. Be authentic and don't pretend to be someone you are not. Don't brag about how good your business is doing either, because if it were doing as well as you say it is, you will not risk going to a networking event simply because it seems like "you don't need it."

Try visiting several groups/events to find which one best fits your need. Shopping around for an appropriate networking group is an acceptable practice. After all, why try to sell medicine to a group that believes in wholistic and natural remedies? Make the most of your time by approaching your target audience and trying to blend in with them. Not all groups will be to your liking, the same way you discover that not all partners end up as great husbands or wives.

You learn about the ropes as you go on. Some of these groups are more supportive than others, while some are aloof, and only stick with their kind. But don't fully discount the ones

which don't exactly tickle your fancy, because some of them may provide you with details, like who to approach and who to call. Just try to understand what each group is trying to achieve - and respect that. Don't condemn the meat lovers if you're a vegan. Learn to co-exist with others.

Network, not net-sell! A lot of the people in an event attend because they want to meet people and establish ties with possible future clients. Don't make the mistake of going to a networking event solely with the purpose of selling. The moment you hard sell to people and others get wind of your real purpose, then attendees will steer clear of you - thus nullifying all your efforts. Instead, get to know people, then ask them questions.

If they say anything that may be in conjunction with your business, then slowly segue into a possible conversation pertaining to your business - BUT DON'T SELL! Just inform them about your line of business. Ask for a business card for a possible call in the future - but don't talk solely business- not at the event itself (unless that was the main purpose of the event, and is stated as such).

Ask people how you can help. This does not mean charity - this may mean, "how your business can help them with their needs," or "how you can help introduce them to people who have a need for their product/service." Of course, this is not your initial purpose for attending networking events, but as with life, good word gets around. Believe in the law of Karma - because the good you do others will eventually bring you good, too. Remember also that you get the chance to bring up your own pitches once a fellow opens the topic. Be subtle about it, though///or you might be branded as a "seller" and not a "networker."

If there is an opportunity, be clear about how others can help you. Okay, not all events are solely meant to build ties or develop relationships between people in your niche - some of them may be business referral events. If this is the type of network event you find yourself in, then be clear about what exactly you need. Ask for referrals - and don't be pushy in doing so. Or if you want to meet a specific bigshot in the business, like Mr. Joe X, then tell people, "I would really like to meet Mr. Joe X." Who knows, someone in your small group may say, "Oh, Mr. Joe X is my next-door neighbor. I can introduce you." It doesn't hurt to be specific because you just might get lucky and hit the nail on the head on these events. Finally, when you do get that precious referral, do follow-up with action.

The business cards in your hand will remain just business cards, unless you pick up that phone and call people.

Rather than wait for people you handed cards to to call, ask them during the event if you can call them - but only do so if you have already asked them if it's fine that you give them a ring.

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