The Basics of Professional Networking
By: Vlad Ehrsam
Networking is one of the most important things that you can do in any profession. Networking allows you to build relationships with other professionals and can result in good partnerships and in better visibility as an individual or a business. Whether you are building a network locally, nationally, or internationally, there are some basics that can help you establish a professional contact network.
To do this, you first need to provide something of value, something relevant to your field or business that will generate interest among your peers. Arm yourself with research before you attend an important conference, so you're ready with a well informed and researched presentation. Or if you are a member of your professional association, or the Rotary Club, for instance, plan to speak in public. This will a long way to demonstrate that keep up-to-date with current developments in your field and reinforce the perception that you are valuable asset in any organization or project.
The key word by which you should be looking out to form acquaintances and relationships is 'relevant'. It is important to zero in on the people who can be of use to you whether its in your profession or your town.
The yardstick for measuring whether a person is relevant or not depends on the way things work in a certain profession and the common interests. Thus a person might choose to build his network with people hailing from a certain place in case he wants to build the network locally. In another case he might just choose to create contacts with people associated with your business area.
Few of the ways to find these relevant people involve religiously looking through the newspapers to identify the key players. Be on an alert during conversations, as a name that could be of use might just crop up. You might just also ask people who you think can help you with these names.
One of the most effective ways of contacting these relevant people is to contact them individually. That can also be done through writing. The letter should be short and crisp, having a brief mention about your work and company. It should also mention the aspect or the facet of the person that you happened to like the most. You should also state that you would be interested in meeting or a conference.
Never ever flatter, gush, or extol their greatness, or put yourself down or be cute. Your letter should be concise, yet communicative, and very professional, and written in a way that doesn't demand response. Instead, try to word in a manner that communicates you would appreciate an insight, or a meeting at some convenient time. And don't worry if a response is not forthcoming, usually, your contact is swamped with work. But you can courteously introduce yourself when you meet your contact at conference or meeting in the future.
One-on-one meetings are a great way to get the ball rolling. When you're next at a conference, just go up and introduce yourself to a relevant contact. If you send your introductory letter first, it will make talking that much easier. Meeting people in these face-to-face encounters helps you in your network-building, and puts you in the public eye. So people always remember you, what you do and who you are. Especially when you follow up, when you connect to keep communications open with others, they will respond. And help you build a rich and successful network.
About the author: Vlad Ehrsam writes exclusively for Full Info on Business
