How to improve your networking skills
What are networking skills?
Networking skills are the competencies you need to have to maintain professional or social contacts. Networking is a critical skill in sales, business development and several other industries. Networking skills are necessary to make and develop relationships with new contacts and promote something of value.
Important networking skills to have
There are different skills that you can practice to become more effective at networking. They include:
- Communication
- Active listening
- Social skills
- Public speaking skills
- Nonverbal communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Empathy
- Positivity
- Humor
- Focus
Improve your networking skills
1. Practice improving communication habits
Improve your networking skills by practicing good communication habits. Maintain eye contact when you’re speaking with someone and nod your head in understanding or agreement. Use simple, straightforward language, ask questions and invite opinions. Pay attention to the body language of the person with whom you’re speaking to ensure they understand and confirm whether they agree or disagree.
2. Ask friends for constructive feedback
Consider asking friends how you’re coming across in conversation. Understanding where you can improve can help you improve your communication style, which can have a big impact on your networking skills.
3. Attend networking events
One of the best ways you can improve your networking skills is to practice them regularly. Attend networking events and focus on building a genuine human connection with the people you meet. Ask questions that show you’re genuinely interested in getting to know the person you’re speaking with and listen closely to the answer while maintaining eye contact. Respond with relevant questions to show you were listening. Focus on the quality of the relationships you’re having rather than the quantity.
Networking is not hard.
Once you understand that networking is simply about building relationships with people around you, it should be clear that you are networking all the time. Every time you stop in the corridor to chat to a colleague, or pick up the phone to speak to a contact, you are networking.
Of course, there are times when you are networking more actively — for example, when you go to a professional event, you are almost certainly planning to spend a certain amount of time catching up with old contacts and meeting new people.