I don’t know whether You have ever heard what Matt Youngquist (the president of Career Horizons) said
“At least 70%, if not 80%, of jobs are not published”
but there is this magical skill that only some of us have possessed – knowing people.
While I am getting ready to attend a fair in Frankfurt this week, IMEX 16 and work on the project “Networks in Action”, I follow the primary objectives of NIA16, communication, and network.
Sometimes I have the feeling that most of the attendees have no idea on how to properly network. You can hear the sales talk all the time. The concept of network has been hugely misunderstood.
In this article, I want to share some practical tips (or rather refresh our memory, because we all know those stuff) on how to get the most out of any networking event.
I) Do Your homework and do the research
Well, that apparently means that You have to give up WhatsApp and Facebook and read some professional articles, find out who is on the top in Your industry and connect with them. Try to look for two or three people, You admire and get in touch with them (Twitter, LinkedIn, websites, blogs).
II) Invest in Your business cards
I have decided to change the layout and the design of my business card totally. I chose thicker paper, extra mat, shining letters and must say that everybody loves them. Since I had to pay for all extras, I stopped handing my business cards to every single person I met. It automatically sets up my mindset, and I try to look for quality contacts.
You can go a step further and get Yourself custom USB business cards or QR code business cards (we all walk around with phones, anyway) – You can connect both ideas to Your website, Linked profile, services or proposals.
III) Be interested
Practice asking more personalized questions. Curiosity and genuine interest win over everything. All people look for attention. A focused listener will create a memorable experience.
Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying, 'Make me feel important.' Never forget this message when working with people.
IV) Listen, listen, listen
There is a reason why we all have two ears and one mouth. Speak less and listen more. Some people can’t control their tongue, and You might be able to hear something that will help You grow – an idea, a surname, a company, etc.
We all have days when we only want somebody to listen to us. Be this person and You’ll be able to form healthy and honest relationships with people.
V) Follow – up
How many of us follow up people we have met? It’s going above and beyond sending those copy-paste messages on LinkedIn and email. Try to write a more personalized message and try to meet or talk on the phone with that person. We’re so overwhelmed with online notifications that most of those follow-ups end up in the spam box.
Thank You for reading,
Sara A. Urbanietz
Please, visit www.saraurbanietz.com for more info