Secret to Networking Well – Follow 1 Simple Rule

Business networking is essential to your job success as well as during any of your job searches.

• For job seekers, we all know that the best job openings are those that we can find through our network before it hits the open market. So, the stronger your network the more likely you’ll come across hidden gems in job opportunities.
• If you already have a job, then networking can help you find a good mentor, land the next customer, find a good vendor, establish a beneficial partnership, etc.

Whether you have a job or not, you should be constantly expanding and building your network so you can tap into it to support your career success. While most of you probably know networking is important, few actually know how to network well. Although there are many rules on networking, I want to share ONE simple rule that can help you network no matter what your situation is.

I learned this rule from a friend who has over 20 years of sales experience. It’s his job to know how to network well. When he told me this rule in four little words, I was quite surprised how simple and yet profound it was. Before every networking event, remind yourself of these four words and you can stay focused and network well. The one simple rule to networking well anywhere is: Be Interesting and Interested. Here’s what it means

• Be Interesting: No one wants to talk to a boring person. We have all been in conversations with people at networking events where they only talk about things that we have no interest in. The key to being interesting is listening, having knowledge of a variety of topics, and then figuring out which interest the person you’re speaking with gravitates towards the most. This way, you create a stimulating conversation and leave an impression. At a networking event, everyone meets a lot of people. Most people are forgettable or seem very similar to each other. If you were interesting to the person you spoke with, then you’ll be remembered fondly. That’s your objective. What you talk about may have nothing to do with business or your networking objective. It could be about sports, music, politics, business, etc. Your sole purpose is to build a connection with the person you speak with so that this person will later be willing to talk to you more and perhaps about a business or job opportunity.
• Be Interested: Being interesting is not enough still. We have all also talked to people that are interesting but spend all the time talking and never once ask you to join the conversation. Another part of building relationships and leaving a positive impression is showing interest in the person you speak with – their experience, opinion, etc. All people want to feel valued. If you’re interested in what the person you’re speaking with says, they’ll feel valuable and good about themselves. This is another part of the equation in opening the door in adding this person to your network.

Ultimately, this rule works because anyone who finds you interesting and thought you were interested in what they have to say will have a good impression of you. It’s the good impression that will open doors for you to make a reasonable request and build the relationship further, whether it’s a lunch, an info interview, or even a business meeting.