Networking, if done correctly, can open so many doors. A tool essential for those who aim high. We know our social life is suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and our business relationships are a part of that life. But I’m sure we’ve all grown tired hearing/reading/thinking about pandemic (I know I have).  

If you’re feeling proactive and ready to plan out how to give your business/career the boost it will probably need coming out of the shelter-in, why not begin to study and strategize now? 

Although networking is not the only way to move forward, is can be a useful step. Below are some tips to help you make useful and lasting connections with people in your job realm.  

• Look at existing resources you already have that you may have overlooked. Since networking can happen nearly anywhere, it’s easy to converse with somebody but then never have a follow-up after. (Hey, we’re not trying to point fingers— It happens). Look through your contacts and if there’s anyone that can potentially open doors for you or your business, go for it!  

• Quality over Quantity: You might want as many people in your corner as possible, but it’s got to be the right people. Try focusing on the quality of the connections you make versus the quantity.  
• Communication: Perhaps your trouble isn’t finding beneficial connections but approaching them. Try this... 

1. –Starting with small talk to break the ice, then leading the conversation into something of substance.  
2. –Listen and ask questions to help build rapport. 
3. –You’re trying to sell yourself, but don’t talk about yourself from the get- go. Look at the conversation as an opportunity for you to get to know the other person and their interests.  

• Follow up and follow through: We’ve all been through it—you meet someone, hit it off, talk about ideas and make rough plans for the near future, but you end up never hearing back from them. (And you were so convinced the other person was just as serious as you were, so sad…). Simply following up and actually doing what you said you were going to do could put you in the top quartile!  
• In the end, networking is about building meaningful and honest relationships that are a value to both parties. Choosing the right people means not only those who can help you, but also people you can do something for in return. When the other party is getting as much as you are from the relationship, it’s built for the long-term. 

See? Networking isn’t all that different from how you treat other parts of your social life. Look out for the people you want to have in your corner and build an alliance where you can continue helping advance each other. Yeah, it’s easier said than done but with practice it can become a lot more comfortable and natural. To practice you need start somewhere though! 

Written by Marusya Madubuko 

Citations: 

Fine, D. (2005). The Fine Art of Small Talk: How to Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills–and Leave a Positive Impression!. Hachette Books. 

Bennett, R. (2013). Tips for Good Social Networking. The Rosen Publishing Group.