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How to Create and Maintain a Great Network of Connections in Business?

Be Insanely Well-connected!

Well, today’s world is too fast-moving. The aspect of business success majorly depends on that of the network. Whether an entrepreneurial small entrepreneur corporate professional or even a freelancer, it is the right set of relations that opens up doors and also promotes cooperation by way of expansion opportunities. A good network is not necessarily collecting business cards or adding contacts on LinkedIn. It is basically building mutually beneficial relationships. Here is how you can become very well-connected in business.

1. Begin with a Clear Purpose

The other element is setting goals also before. Do you want to add more clients to your list, find a mentor, or get a new job? With particular purposes, it is easy to know whom to connect with and guide your contacts. Without an aim in networking, there could be meaningless relations that do not have anything to do with your professional life.

2. Authenticity and Integrity

True, meaningful relationships are built on real connections only. In this sense, people really do know it when someone’s being a poser or, worse, a transactional piece of human experience. Take networking off autopilot and learn how to build real relationships. Take an honest interest in others’ curiosity by asking good questions and listening instead of talking; help out genuinely and not necessarily seeking immediate reciprocation. Things that work as two-way streets.

3. Leverage Current Networks

You already have a network around you. Use your old colleagues, classmates, and mentors whom you maintained an active relationship with before. Since they are aware of you, the likelihood that they might also introduce you to their set is high. Join school alumni events or attend industry conferences; keep up with them informally, too. Sometimes, a warm introduction can be much easier than a cold introduction.

4. Network at the Right Events

Not all events are created equal for a networker. Only network at events where your goals or interests are supported. Industry conferences, seminars, and workshops attract like-minded people. Avoid mega-events. Better networking often takes place in more intimate events with fewer people.

5. Practice the Follow-up Art

Sending a highly personal message to a person is simply a matter of days from the first time you meet with the person. Raise something that you and your conversational partner talked about, which lets them know that you were interested in the talk. A follow-up email or LinkedIn message and a phone call at the right time show that you are professional and interested in the person.

6. Offer Value First

This is one of the best ways of networking by providing value before anything else. Help people in fulfilling the objectives you want them to achieve. This way, they will notice you and remember your name the more you help people. The return you will receive from others depends on when other people will return the support given to you whenever they need to.

7. Be Active in Professional Networks

Networking in the contemporary digital world is a necessity on LinkedIn. Thus, keep your profile active by posting content of relevance and making comments on the posts of other people so you are in the news. Participate in the group discussions relevant to the industry. Be a thought leader. You can also build your online presence to supplement what you are doing offline. In this way, you can connect with a large number of even more diverse people.

8. Cultivate Your Network

Networking is the start, and its maintenance is as important as the beginning. You should constantly stay in contact with your network by checking calls, wishing them success, or meetings from time to time. It can support and guide you for all of the career paths ahead.

9. Don’t Get Disheartened and Persevere

It’s a long-term investment. It takes time to build a relationship and the trust factor. And if you do not see some quick results, do not get disheartened. Stay faithful to your practice and expand with time. Over time, it will become the tool that even more powerfully builds your career.

10. Give Back to Your Community

Last but not least, do not forget that networking is not just getting. It’s also giving. Be a mentor, share your knowledge, and give back to your professional community. Giving back will make your network stronger and impact the lives of those around you.

It simply equates to building relevant contacts who help increase your worth at both the work level and in private life; simple as that. The more people you meet, the less connected you actually are to anyone of importance. Such an approach allows anybody to get themselves into such a network that may eventually help in attaining objectives leading the person’s flourishing within such an evolving commercial environment. Off you go! Connect for purpose and see that network be one’s greatest gold mine!