There is no question that networking in the professional industry is critical. You need other like-minded people you can talk to, go to events with, and connect with for business purposes. When you get involved with networking, you can find new opportunities, collaborate with others, and create friendships that will carry you through the future.
If you haven’t focused much on your Bakersfield networking skills, use this guide to understand what you should or should not do. You want to make a positive impression and create connections that will last. Check out these dos and don’ts of networking!
The Dos
There are some effective things you can do to be proactive and ensure your success. When it comes to networking, it’s really about knowing what you need, connecting with others, and understanding when it’s time to walk away or let go of a relationship. Not every single networking event or opportunity will be what you need, so learn to discern what is or is not right for you and go from there.
These are some of the dos you can put to use in your efforts.
1. Set Goals
What are your goals with networking? Maybe you want to find people in the same industry as you. Perhaps you’re looking for advice or want some collaborative opportunities. You should have overarching goals that set apart what you want to accomplish with networking in general. Those goals will define what you do or do not do and the events that you choose to attend.
But then you also need to have goals for every networking event that you take part in. These goals give you a focus and a purpose. You might attend a workshop on finance, and perhaps your goal will be to improve your budgeting skills. Maybe you attend a wine and cheese event with the goal of meeting some new entrepreneurs.
You get to choose these goals, but make sure you do so. Establish goals, set your focus, and attend your events with purpose.
2. Be Authentic
Always be yourself when you are networking. There is no sense in hiding behind a facade or pretending to be something you aren’t. When you are authentic, you are more likely to make genuine connections and meet your goals. Plus, people can typically tell when you are genuine and authentic, and it helps to build trust.
People want to know the real you, so let them!
3. Take Time to Listen
Are you a talker who tends to dominate the conversation? When you’re networking, it’s a good idea to find a balance between talking and listening. Yes, you want to promote yourself and talk to others, but you also need to ensure you take the time to listen as well. Take an interest in what others have to say and their stories and experiences.
You never know when you might learn something new or even meet the perfect connection because you chose to listen rather than do all the talking. We are not telling you to be silent here. They want to listen to you, too. Just make sure to do some of both.
To be a great active listener, show understanding and empathy, ask open-ended questions, and be engaged with what others have to say.
4. Follow Up with Connections
Don’t let this be the networking event where you say, “Hey, let’s meet for lunch,” and then you never do. Make connections and then follow up with those connections. Send a personalized email or text, let them know you appreciated getting to meet and chat, and continue to work on building that relationship.
5. Give Before You Get
You’re networking because you hope to gain something from it. However, just keep in mind that this is a two-way street. Sometimes you have to give a little to get a little. Other people are networking because they want to gain something, too. You’re here to lift each other up, find mutual opportunities, and offer value or support to your connections.
The Don’ts
Sometimes, we do things that just aren’t great for networking. Be aware of those things and avoid them when you can. We aren’t perfect, but if you keep these in mind, you might be able to avoid a faux pas.
1. Avoid Over-Self-Promotion
You absolutely can and should showcase your skills and accomplishments. However, what you want to avoid doing is seeming braggy or arrogant about it. This isn’t a sales call; it’s a way to connect with others. Rather than focusing on sharing everything about you that makes you great, focus on building relationships. How great you are is going to speak for itself, and you will have plenty of time to share naturally at other times.
2. Try Not to Interrupt or Monopolize Conversations
Remember how we told you to practice active listening above? Well, these go hand in hand. You don’t have to dominate the conversation, and you don’t have to interrupt to make a point or turn the conversation around to you. Give everyone the opportunity to contribute to a conversation, and try not to interrupt.
Most of the time, you can pick up on cues and indicators that allow you to end a conversation or contribute or share your own additions as well.
3. Neglecting an Online Presence
There is nothing that fully replaces in-person networking efforts, but you have to remember that you need to stay relevant outside of those in-person events. Your online networking will also be important, but so will staying active so you can engage with others and build those connections you made.
Join groups that let you stay up-to-date, connected, and engaged.
Stay Connected Through Bakersfield Business Network
If you’re looking for ways to build up your Bakersfield networking, we can help. You don’t have to handle business alone when there are so many other business owners out there to engage with. Join us today and stay connected in all the right ways.
