Network better, change the common networking misconceptions

The one mistake that is assumed by the majority of individuals who engage in networking is that it will bring immediate results, that is getting business right away. Well, getting more business is ultimately the whole idea of networking, but the truth is it is not as easy as it sounds. Just like many worth while causes in life, there are no silver bullets and as such, one needs to realise that there’s a lot involved in the process of swinging business your way.

Networking is simply a skill that can be learned by any willing person. It requires knowledge, practise and commitment in order to learn to apply effectively and consistently. You can’t buy tennis rackets, tennis balls, sneakers, and the gear and expect to play like a professional, especially if you are new to the sport. The same applies to someone who walks into a networking function filled with potential contacts, armed with business cards and expects great results from giving out his business cards; it takes skill and preparation to network effectively.

Networking has more to do with building and forming mutually beneficial relationships which bring about new connections with a large number of people, some of which will ultimately become your customers, be it in the short or long term. Besides growing your market, one of the benefits of networking is that it creates access to a number of resources such as experts who can help you grow your business in more ways than you can imagine.

If you keep working at it consistently, you will, over time, reap the rewards, which include new business and growing the business. If it happens that the people you come across are not the type of prospects you are looking for, they might be in a position to refer you to the types of people you are looking for.

Exchanging business cards does not guarantee you business; however it is a good start and this is the time that your skill becomes extremely important. This You are at a point where you have to turn that contact into a connection. Worry about broadening your networking base because by now you must have a clear understanding of who you are focusing on. Understand the process of networking clearly and also focus on nurturing your relationships in the best way possible.

Kholofelo Pholafudi is the author of The Psychology, Science & Art of Turning Contacts into Connections