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It is estimated that the average person knows about 250 people. And each of those people know in return, another 250 people. Imagine the gain you can get out of this!

Unfortunately, that’s how most people think of networking, by looking for immediate gains, for themselves offcourse. This is definately the wrong way to go about, and you will regret it in the long run.

Networking is a longterm something, in which building a relationship is important. How often do you see people collect as many businesscards as they can, for the sole purpose of gaining something. That’s not how you build a relationship. You do that by building a foundation, with trust and and earning respect.

Online communities like LinkedIn has sprung to fill a certain need. While this social network works on several levels, I can’t stop but think it’s often about getting to know as many people as possible.
Maybe I’m to oldschool in this, but I feel it still pays to network in person.
Offcourse, this day and age you can’t ignore the effect of online networking, the viral effect it has on people.

But like I said, it’s way more fun to network in person. So here are some basic pointers to think about:

1. Improve your mindset
Having negative thoughts like ‘I’m not good at meeting new people’ or ‘Why bother’ are a big nono.
This stands in your way of good karma. And karma is an important asset to networking. When you meet someone new, you have to make the other person feel good about you. And having good karma does that for you.

2. Practise makes perfect
This is a tricky one.
When meeting someone new, it’s good to have a practiced well-put introduction ready. But, and a big but it is, it is best not to sound overconfident, to slick. You don’t want the other person to think you are a smooth criminal (never thought I’d get that songtitle in a sentence :p).
Also be able to articulate what it is you are looking for and how others can help you. It really looks bad when someone says ‘How can we help you’ and no awnser comes to mind.

Often in networking, businesscards get swapped. And that’s where etiquette comes in.
When someone gives you his/her card, don’t just put it in your pocket. Instead, make the person feel important and look at it for a few seconds. This tells the other person ‘Look, I’m interested in you’. In doing so it makes you more important to them.
If on the other hand, you are the only one trading cards, don’t make the other person feel like you’re using him. Ask for referrals in a kind way. In doing so it will make them more willingfull to help.

3. Don’t be afraid to crash and burn
Sometimes people will not respond the way you expect them to. That’s life. Accept it and move on.

That’s it. Like I said, some basic stuff to help you network in person.
Someone however told me I definately should have a LinkedIn account, so here it is.

Do you have a LinkedIn account?