Master the Art of Business Networking with 6 Proven Tips to Secure Clients, Land Your Dream Job, and Catapult Your Income to Six Figures
Networking is the life force of your business.
It’s critical for landing clients, finding business partners, and receiving job offers.
Yet, networking sometimes can be horribly awkward and feel like a 5th-grade dance.
I am certainly not a networking pro, but with these tips, I landed a financial analyst role at a Fortune 500 company.
Today we will break down how to network with ease in 6 simple steps.
1. Master Small Talk
Become the champion of small talk and people will adore you.
These casual conversations create unprecedented opportunities in business.
Being in contact with someone in a company catapults you to the top of any job search.
It not only contributes to career advancement but also serves as a proactive measure to safeguard against the risk of termination.
The golden rule of small talk master is simple: focus on them. Anytime you’re meeting someone, make them the star of the show.
It should feel like you are interviewing a superstar and you want to understand how they are so amazing at what they do.
Throughout the conversation, you should maintain a 10-1 ratio of asking questions versus talking about yourself.
People LOVE sharing details about their careers, achievements, and future work goals.
After the conversation, even if they haven't learned much about you, they'll perceive you as amazing because you made them feel so good.
Next time you're networking with someone, ask about their goals and dreams.
2. Network in New Settings
Ive networked with over 100 Business Professionals at Lifetime Fitness.
Lifetime fitness, please sponsor me;)
Humans love it when they are not working.
Getting off work might be better than doing drugs.
When I was at Lifetime I would notice that the same businessmen are WAY more excited and upbeat at Lifetime, versus when they are at work.
When networking, catch them when they are “peaking” in their mood.
Network with others in their element. They’ll feel comfortable, relaxed, and likely to help you.
Catch them at the park, taking a fitness class, or at a restaurant. Catch them vaping in an Alley Way…
3. Revisit Old Networks
Networking is about establishing connections.
However, retaining existing connections is generally more cost-effective than acquiring new ones.
Studies, such as those cited by the Harvard Business Review, suggest that increasing customer retention by just 5% can boost profits by 25-95%
Having a strong relationship in an industry can be the difference between making millions or going bankrupt.
So how do we do it?
Reconnecting with your old network is simpler than you think—just drop them a DM.
For my analysts and tech wizzes, go to Excel and build a table of all of your business connections. Put their name, number, favorite socks, anniversary, etc on the table as well as the last time you talked to them.
Reach out to a friend from your past job or college. Make a list of contacts you haven't connected with recently and send a message to meet up.
Schedule bi-weekly check-ins through Zoom, email, or phone calls. This consistent communication ensures that when opportunities arise, they call you first.
Strengthing these relationships sets you up for opportunities
4. Network and workout
In our quest for networking, we've discovered that the path goes beyond meetings and inquiries.
Here is the real key…
It involves launching large rocks in the air in an attempt of hypertrophic stimulation of our muscle fibers….
Or, network at the gym.
Doing hard stuff together—whether it's hitting the gym or facing a tough challenge—creates a way stronger connection.
With your peers, Set personal records (PRs) or time activities like a one-mile run, turning exercise into a bonding experience.
You’ll compete and motivate each other right to the next business deal.
5. Take a Coffee Break
The coffee break has been around since those old English lads got coffee from some Goat Farmer who saw his goats tweaking on some beans.
This humble beverage played a role in shaping the Industrial Revolution, and the development of a hyper-focus state.
Beyond its caffeinated allure, it has become the ultimate networking tool.
Understand this: People love being high on caffeine and talking about themselves.
Engaging in discussions over coffee not only adds a pleasant kick but also puts everyone in a good mood.
Meet a new client at a coffee shop, or talk to a recruiter over espresso. Thank yourself.
6. Read a Communication Book
If you want to succeed in networking you must understand how to network.
My favorite way to understand something is by reading about the topic.
Reading develops new connections within your brain, offering diverse perspectives and unraveling complex topics with ease. It can take you from an amateur at something to a CEO.
My favorite book on communication—which is all about networking and has helped me consistently throughout my career—is "92 Ways to Talk to Anyone."
Its practical tips not only honed my communication skills but also made every interaction more genuine.
It's like having a secret weapon for building meaningful connections effortlessly.
Mastering the art of networking is the key to unlocking new opportunities and a fulfilling professional journey
Cheers,
Jack