As the season of large-scale professional events (E.g. Summits) is about to begin, you may wonder how can one make the best of it. In addition to gaining information on what's latest & greatest happenings in the Industry, these events offer a great opportunity to network with fellow Industry colleagues. While it can take years of practice to nail professional networking, the good news is you can start where you are to make meaningful professional connections.
Make networking work for YOU, with Professional Networking 101.
All the professional networking Gyaan out there would potentially lead to an understanding that making the best of networking may mean that you'd like to connect, collaborate, and engage with audiences of similar, different, or complimenting work skills and/or backgrounds.
Start with contemplating, how would you define making the best.
While the medium of professional networking engagement may vary i.e. large-scale events, community gatherings, interest-based meetups, cross-functional organization or affinity group events; the foundational approach, engagement, and management of professional networking remains the same.
This foundation cuts through Preparation being the KEY to success here! Ask yourself FIVE essential questions to gear up for any professional networking event.
Why does networking matter to you?
What do you need (not want) from it?
What is the typical Demography you'd like to network with?
Give before Take! What are you ready to offer? Time, Attention, Ideas, Collaboration, Opportunities, etc.
How can you continue Maintaining the Relationship, before, during, and post the event?
Refer to the below Professional Networking 101 Infographics about Questions & Preparation Checklist for self-coaching cues.
*Note these Infographics are Downloadable & Shareable.
*Note these Infographics are Downloadable & Shareable.
Above all the self-questioning and preparation, one may think what makes on-the-ground interactions memorable for a potential collaboration? The answer may vary for different geographies based on cultural & industry dynamics but a few things promise success! E.g. some of the behaviors that show high potential to make any networking event work for you are as follows:
Being authentic and retaining individuality.
Genuinely being interested in others.
An attitude of collaboration & reliability.
Understanding that building relationships needs vesting of time. Repeated investment and patience are the keys to building a flourishing professional network.
Prepare for every networking meeting. Prepare but not rigidly script it! Accessorize yourself with creative or memorable profile cards, easy-to-follow services pitch, agenda of the networking along with the understanding of professional interests of attendees, engagement with people regarding how would you want to be accessible to attendees e.g. being approachable, distant, getting along, available, etc.
Hold clarity of thoughts regarding how to practice self-awareness, leading engagements with mutual & relevant interest, making sure your offerings complement everyone involved.
Stay creative about creating an influence yet flow with ease throughout an engagement.
Post the event reflects on engagements. List & access improvement opportunities while you observe yourself, demography details, and learnings to identify which network is suitable for you.
Most importantly,
It's not about the Gainer. It's about the Giver Turning into the Gainer!
*Note these Infographics are Downloadable & Shareable.
Comments & share your professional networking experiences i.e.
What has worked for you and what didn't?
What have been your learnings?
Any questions you have?
About Author: Tejal Rathod is a 'Management Psychology & Workplace Well-being' Peter Drucker Management Excellence Award-winning expert Success Coach & Therapist, Author, Speaker, and Founder at eDC (www.elementsdcoach.com) having over two decades of diverse corporate work experience. She believes in leaving a legacy of positive work culture through personal growth and elevating one’s consciousness for meaningful success in life. Tejal engages with individuals, professionals, and organizations worldwide while specializing in Work Dynamics & Culture, Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, Behavioral Transformation & Professional Skills Development, Mental Health and Well-being, and Holistic Lifestyle Coaching.
Dive deeper into learning facets of Professional Networking, Relationship Management, and Personal Growth. Coach yourself to Meaningful Success, Personally & Professionally!
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