Networking -- A Worthy Goal for the New Year - Business Monday - MiamiHerald.com

By Laura Kozelouzek The Miami Herald


The thought of networking can be intimidating, awkward and unpleasant. Yet the ability to connect with other professionals and make a positive impression is not only important for your career, it can be fun and exciting if approached with the right attitude.

It’s a good idea to start the New Year off on the right foot by building relationships that can lead to new business or new business contacts. Remember networking is about the follow through, building trust and longevity.

Here are some tips for building and expanding your network.

• Be charming and approachable.

We’ve all heard the saying, “People want to do business with people they like.” So when given the opportunity to connect, be likable.

• Networking should not be one-sided.

Be a resource to others, understand their needs by asking open-ended questions and then listening. If you approach networking as how you can help others rather than what you can get out of it, you will get much further.

• Start with the base hit.

Building relationships takes time, and you need to be respectful and build a bond over time. Don’t jump right in and ask for help; you may come across as insincere and pushy.

It’s not how many relationships you have, it’s the quality of the relationship that matters

We have all seen the “turbo connectors” attending events, spending no more than one or two minutes jumping from guest to guest, and collecting hundreds of business cards in a single evening. They then load the names into a database and start sending usually annoying emails. These “players” give networking a bad name. I have found that it is better to invest time and effort into fewer connections in which you have identified ways you can help each other. You’re going for a meaningful relationship — not the shallow and superficial playing the field approach.

• Deal with rejection.

If you follow up and do not get a response, then maybe they’re not interested or they are just busy. It’s OK to be persistent to a point, change it up, maybe drop in to talk face-to-face; use humor. Don’t take it personally if your contacts don’t respond, move on.

• Nurture the rela-tionship.

Make it a point to follow up with a brief email and do it with personality. The best correspondence is directed, relevant and with purpose, and it helps anchor the previous interaction. Make it a priority to reach out to new contacts on a regular basis. Recognize their achievements, offer assistance when appropriate and remember that all good relationships require attention. Networking can help you build your business in the new year.

Laura Kozelouzek is president and chief executive officer of Quest Workspaces.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/01/2567330/networking-a-worthy-goal-for-the.html#storylink=cpy