10 Simple Ways to Improve Your NetworkingNetworking is fundamental to how I run my business and how I create relationships. I love Networking because it has given me so many amazing opportunities and experiences in my life and I have met some incredibly inspiring and nurturing individuals with the advent of social media.

Networking is the new certainty in life, so start learning now.

Benjamin Franklin once said the only two certainties in life are “Death and Taxes”. I propose that there are two more — delivering Presentations and dealing with People. No matter where you go, you are giving presentations at school, at work and at home. Throughout your life you will always need to deal with people whether at home, work or in public.

The 80-20 rule of networking helps you find jobs and opportunities.

They say 80 per cent of jobs and opportunities are found through networking and 20 per cent are not. 20 per cent of people use networking effectively and 80 per cent do not. So if 20 per cent of all people are using networking to get at 80 per cent of all the opportunities, what should you be doing? Networking!

Give without expectation.

Networking is not asking for a job and it is not just taking what you can from a connection. My personal philosophy is to give without expectation. I always ask every contact “What can I do to help you?” I give my ear and spend a good amount of time just listening because every person has his/her story. This philosophy will help build up your reputation.

Know your value.

With any networking scenario, there will be give and take. Many people, especially youth, don’t realize what value they can provide. Every person has value and it comes from your experiences, your energy and enthusiasm, your personality and your contacts. Beyond that, you should get comfortable with knowing your personal brand.

Build the relationships.

Networking is just the start. Your ultimate goal is to build a relationship. That is where the true value of networking comes into play because you will get advice, support, mentorship, and a higher likelihood of opportunities coming your way.

Everyone is a bridge.

We forget that every single person we meet can be a bridge to someone else. Perhaps that cashier has an uncle who works at the company you have targeted for a new job? I have discovered opportunities from random meetings in an elevator, a subway seat and a New Year’s Eve party. Know that you can network anywhere, anytime with anyone!

Networking strategies are great, but learn the tactics.

Every networking article talks about the typical strategies – have business cards, create your pitch, have a plan, etc. But very few talk about actual tactics. You need to learn how to enter a conversation, ask the right questions and leave the conversation. The best tactic to enter a conversation is to use your “power words” such as “Hi!”, “Excuse me…”

Leverage online networking is now expected, so build a compelling presence and brand.

Social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Google+ are huge right now. Start building your profiles in these spaces if you are there. If you are not sure where to be, think about who you want to network with.

Not following up renders networking useless!

So often people exchange business cards and

never contact each other. Or they add each

other on LinkedIn and the networking dies

there. Remember you are building a

relationship and you want to be memorable.

You gotta want it!

Networking, like leadership, is something you have to want and demonstrate. This mean you have to do everything — be prepared, plan your questions, rehearse your tactics, offer to help, use social networking, follow-up and build the relationship — to make an impact with networking.