If you’ve been thinking about building a network of friends and colleagues, you might be asking yourself how to do so effectively. Here are some tips to get you started.
Establishing A Relationship Action Plan
If you are into networking, you probably know that the most important part of any meeting is the follow-up. You also need to be able to gauge what your new contacts are up to. This is where a relationship action plan comes in handy. A relationship action plan will help you figure out who to include in your professional circle. It should also be clear what you are trying to accomplish. A good relationship plan should be kept in a prominent place. The best plan is one that is updated periodically, as your objectives change.
As you navigate your way through the social world, remember to keep in mind the twelfth rule of thumb: treating others as you would want to be treated. This can be achieved through generosity and the right attitude.
Listen Carefully
Listening carefully is an important part of effective networking strategies. Listening is an active process that involves watching body language and reading non-verbal cues. By listening, you gain full understanding of ideas and help build relationships with others.
To listen carefully, you need to watch facial expressions, maintain eye contact, and nod at key junctures. Doing these things will ensure that you hear everything that a person is saying. You also need to remember key phrases. This will help you stay on topic and avoid interrupting the other person.
Another effective networking strategy is to ask relevant questions. By asking good questions, you are able to draw the other person closer to you. You are also able to open up a communication line. If you have problems with listening, repeat what the other person has said in your head.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
The best way to learn about a new colleague is to ask them questions. A thoughtful question shows that you are interested in them and their field of interest. The trick is to make sure you ask the right kinds of questions. It’s always better to ask one specific question than to ask a bunch of general ones. If you do, you will be much more likely to receive an answer.
It’s also important to not overdo it. You want to ask a few of the more obvious questions but you also want to avoid being pushy. In fact, if you are unsure of the person you’re talking to, you might want to hold off until you’re certain they’re interested in your company. This will allow you to get the most out of the experience.
Avoid Common Networking Mistakes
Whether you’re a novice network administrator or a seasoned business professional, there are some common networking mistakes that you should avoid. These mistakes can cause performance problems, cause crashes, and lead to other misbehavior. This book provides a simple guide to avoiding these errors.
One common mistake is using a modal dialog. When a user tries to interact with a program, he or she should be able to see the interface without needing to leave it. A modal dialog can be a bad choice when the network is down. It can lead to a lot of unnecessary screen glare and even more confusion. If a user needs to leave the dialog to manually perform a task, he or she may end up attempting to do something that’s not appropriate.