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Which networking skills do you prioritize? Why?
I hope to enhance my communication skills. From your experience in networking through professional events, which skills should I focus on the most? How will those skills help me? How have they helped you?
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5 answers
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Doc’s Answer
In today’s hyper-connected world Mia, networking has become indispensable. Whether you’re a business professional looking to expand your reach or a job seeker looking for new opportunities, having strong networking skills can be a real game-changer.
COMMUNICATION
Communication skills allow individuals to clearly convey thoughts, ideas, and feelings through speaking, writing, and other forms of expression. Moreover, effective verbal and written communication skills are crucial for expressing ideas and opinions to others.
ACTIVE LISTENING
Active listening is a critical networking skill involving fully engaging in a conversation and focusing on what people are saying. It requires hearing the words, understanding the meaning behind them, and responding appropriately. Active listening helps build trust, respect, and rapport between people; this not only leads to stronger relationships but also more opportunities for professional and personal growth.
CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow up with people you have met and connect on LinkedIn When you send the mail, send a personal message so people will remember where they met you, but also it helps for your own records as if you are searching that person in the future you will then have a reminder on your own record of where you met. Twitter is also a great way to connect with people prior and at an event. Follow the hashtag for the event to listen to what other people are saying about the day. It’s a quick and friendly way of connecting with people out of your existing network and with speakers.
COMMUNICATION
Communication skills allow individuals to clearly convey thoughts, ideas, and feelings through speaking, writing, and other forms of expression. Moreover, effective verbal and written communication skills are crucial for expressing ideas and opinions to others.
ACTIVE LISTENING
Active listening is a critical networking skill involving fully engaging in a conversation and focusing on what people are saying. It requires hearing the words, understanding the meaning behind them, and responding appropriately. Active listening helps build trust, respect, and rapport between people; this not only leads to stronger relationships but also more opportunities for professional and personal growth.
CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow up with people you have met and connect on LinkedIn When you send the mail, send a personal message so people will remember where they met you, but also it helps for your own records as if you are searching that person in the future you will then have a reminder on your own record of where you met. Twitter is also a great way to connect with people prior and at an event. Follow the hashtag for the event to listen to what other people are saying about the day. It’s a quick and friendly way of connecting with people out of your existing network and with speakers.
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Mia,
Networking is about forming relevant connections. To achieve this, focus on actively listening to others, showing interest in their stories, and making them feel valued, which helps build stronger connections. Communicate your thoughts clearly and concisely to foster engaging conversations. Always ask follow-up questions based on what they have explained. I recommend, if possible, before attending networking events, do some homework by researching potential attendees on LinkedIn to prepare yourself. Finally, follow up with new contacts by sending a thank-you note or connecting on LinkedIn to maintain and strengthen the relationship. Hope this helps!
Networking is about forming relevant connections. To achieve this, focus on actively listening to others, showing interest in their stories, and making them feel valued, which helps build stronger connections. Communicate your thoughts clearly and concisely to foster engaging conversations. Always ask follow-up questions based on what they have explained. I recommend, if possible, before attending networking events, do some homework by researching potential attendees on LinkedIn to prepare yourself. Finally, follow up with new contacts by sending a thank-you note or connecting on LinkedIn to maintain and strengthen the relationship. Hope this helps!
Updated
Patrice’s Answer
Hi Mia,
When networking at professional events the #1 thing I would recommend is to be confident in the room. Don't allow people's titles or positions intimidate you. Always remind yourself that they are just people, just like you. If you remove the titles, then you won't feel inferior to anyone and it allows you to present yourself in a more confident way.
When networking at professional events the #1 thing I would recommend is to be confident in the room. Don't allow people's titles or positions intimidate you. Always remind yourself that they are just people, just like you. If you remove the titles, then you won't feel inferior to anyone and it allows you to present yourself in a more confident way.
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Andrew’s Answer
One thing I continually recommend is to volunteer with charitable organizations. That can help give you great experience as well as rapidly grow your network with like minded people. Consider things lie: the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, perhaps volunteering in your town or city. There are always assignments available and once you show that you are reliable and consistent, you will get asked to participate more at a leadership level, where your network will grow exponentially. Enjoy the journey. Andrew
Consider finding a volunteer opportunity and sticking with it for a year.
Andrew recommends the following next steps:
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Disraeli’s Answer
Hello Mia,
The number one networking skill is remembering names. Some people can remember lists of names by just repeating them, "nice to meet you, so-and-so." I find it easier to remember them by reading. There are usually name tags at networking events, so they can be helpful. Other valuable networking habits include paying attention and asking questions. These can actively build the connection. A final trick is to go to the event with something memorable. For example, most people don't know that LinkedIn has a feature to scan and show qr codes of profiles. Why don't you learn how to use this feature then show others at the event? This will naturally expand your network and give you a way to contact people after the event.
Good luck with your networking!
The number one networking skill is remembering names. Some people can remember lists of names by just repeating them, "nice to meet you, so-and-so." I find it easier to remember them by reading. There are usually name tags at networking events, so they can be helpful. Other valuable networking habits include paying attention and asking questions. These can actively build the connection. A final trick is to go to the event with something memorable. For example, most people don't know that LinkedIn has a feature to scan and show qr codes of profiles. Why don't you learn how to use this feature then show others at the event? This will naturally expand your network and give you a way to contact people after the event.
Good luck with your networking!