Propel Your Future through Networking

Networking is about making quality connections and building enduring, mutually beneficial relationships.

Even if you do have the gift of the gab it can be a challenge to turn casual conversations with an acquaintance into a meaningful business discussion with a new client.

Here are a few things to get you thinking about your networking skills as a core skill in your business development:

• You have to be ready to engage at all moments

Great networkers know that the best way to make a meaningful connection is to do so organically. Upon entering the room survey the situation. If you’re one of the first there introduce yourself casually yet purposefully. Allow yourself to become accustomed to your surroundings and feel comfortable in them.

• Ask questions

These questions don’t have to be obvious ones such as ‘Where do you work?’ or ‘What position do you hold?’ Instead maybe start with a something a bit more organic. Ask a question pertinent to happenings in the world, business or otherwise. Let your new contact know that you are interested in discussing more than just yourself. However, if the topic of work does come up be prepared to ask them more questions about their position and their organisation.

• Talk about yourself, but allow your contact to ask more questions

Allow the conversation to direct itself back to you and what you do. Let people who you meet have the opportunity to discover who you are. Be careful though not to be minutely focused on self-promotion. Try to talk about your team as well as your own achievements. It will demonstrate you are a leader and you can be relied on.

• Stay connected

Put those business cards you brought along with you to good use. Give out your details to your newfound contacts and encourage them to do the same. Send a follow-up email to thank your new contact for their time with you. Reconnect at a lunch, another work function or over Linkedin. You are laying the foundation for a long term relationship with every contact point you initiate.

• Be open to opportunities

You never know what opportunity could be around the corner. LMA is currently looking for people who are engaged, active and have a strong network of connections to take up the opportunity to become an integral part of changing people’s personal and professional lives.

As a recognised leader of leadership development in Australia and New Zealand, LMA is excited to be able to offer this opportunity to natural leaders and professionals interested to taking their business connections to the next level.

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