Networking is the opportunity to market you and your business or organization. There are multiple advantages to investing time and energy in what might seem as both a labor and financial intensive effort. For example, meeting someone face-to-face is the primary way that people get to know and learn about you. In the same regard, it is the way that you get to know others. When you meet someone, you have a unique opportunity to get your message across in a personal way that conveys your style, credibility and trustworthiness. Yes, people do make judgments based on their interactions with you, and the way that you handle yourself speaks volumes! We all want to convey a distinct and memorable identity. Ask yourself, “What is the first impression you make when you meet others for the first time?”

Secondly, networking provides an opportunity for you to hone your communication and presentation skills. Communicating in a succinct and clear manner demonstrates to others that you can express yourself professionally, yet it also conveys a level of sensitivity, genuineness and flexibility. Your words, body language and tone of voice give others a green light to continue or red light to redirect their efforts elsewhere. Do you come across as open-minded fair and flexible or do you monopolize the conversation? Do you come across as likeable, friendly and naturally confident or do you appear overconfident and insecure? How would you evaluate your ability to converse with others? Ask yourself, “What is my communication style?”

Next, networking is an opportunity to develop your listening skills – the art of hearing not only the words being spoken, but gleaning information from between the lines. Can you communicate back what you’ve heard in a way that demonstrates you understand the meaning and message, without mimicking exactly what the other person said? Can you ask probing questions in a thoughtful and interesting manner? Do you allow the other person to complete their thought before jumping in with a quick comeback or word-of-advice? People want to be heard and want to know that you will take the time to listen. Ask yourself, “How well do I listen to others?

A fourth benefit of networking is developing relationships. Meeting new people and developing relationships will give you the opportunity to stay in touch with what’s going on in your local community and learn about the many talents, gifts and creativity that others have to offer. I am a firm believer that putting two heads together produces infinitely more possibilities than trying to do things on your own. Networking and meeting people will expose you to so many more options and opportunities than trying to do it solo. It will offer the opportunity to develop not only friendships, but professional relationships that can extend your business in ways you never dreamed. Ask yourself, “What are the short-term and long-term relationships I’ve developed from my networking opportunities?”

Lastly, networking is an opportunity to build a “quiet sales team”. Remember the game “I Spy” you played as a child? Someone else can often spot an opportunity before you can - or even better - for you! The more people you know, the more you get “your word” out. Every time you connect with someone, you are reminding them of you and your business. As much as we’d like to think we can attract all the business we need by ourselves, the fact is, we need others to help get our message out. Word-of-mouth referral is the most powerful and effective way to get business. Other people can become your best advertising and marketing arm. Joining a group, such as the WIOSC Monthly Networking Luncheon is an example of how to connect and build your team. Ask yourself, “Who is on my networking sales team”?

As you can see, I am a strong proponent of getting out of your comfort zone and meeting people. For many people, it is difficult endeavor and yet for others, it comes naturally. Networking is one of the career skills to seriously consider developing because of the potential benefits it provides. Learning how to communicate your message effectively, listening with a third ear and expanding your sales team are just a few of these benefits.

Find this article on www.wiosc.com, the Women’s Institute of Southern California web site, click on Career Coach!

Life Quest Coaching will help you enhance and strengthen your networking skills. Contact Mary@lifequestcoaching.org for more details or call (619) 846-0059.