Build quality relationships, offer encouragement to others, and create a safe space to grow, explains Chi Chi Okezie
Networking is a dynamic tool for building relationships, enhancing your career, and advancing your business. As we continue to expand globally and utilize technology more efficiently, networking can be used to scale our connections, communities, and groups. Networking can also be a tool for building confidence – in your career, relationships, outlook and perspective.
A Support System
Networking can offer a support system of mentors, mentees, sponsors, coaches, and accountability partners. By building quality relationships, setting boundaries, and sharing interests, networking creates outlets for encouragement. Seek individuals who can support your endeavors and help them with theirs. Align with like-minded individuals with similar values, beliefs, and goals.
Tips for creating a support system
- Connect with individuals on both a personal and professional level
- Create a safe space and reasonable expectations
- Show respect, understanding, and courtesy
- Be patient and gauge the nature of the relationship(s)
- Build trust and credibility
A Consistent Flow
Whether joining a free, organic networking group or a paid formal one, meeting regularly can increase your confidence level, offering a sense of stability, structure, and assurance whilst creating space for growth, development, and relationship building. Networking groups can also offer events for connecting that can expand your networking approach through different activities. This can allow you to sharpen existing skills or learn new ones. Another effective way to build your confidence is to take up leadership positions within your networking group, increasing your executive presence and influence with the group(s).
Best practices
- Attend events and meetings consistently
- Contribute and be a valued member
- Encourage others to join and participate
- Lead with empathy, discernment, and ethics
A Branding Mechanism
Networking offers a platform to promote your personal and professional brand. Branding is an excellent tool for building your confidence and setting yourself apart. For example, your elevator pitch can be a branding tool to boost your confidence. Share your passions, skills, and achievements in 30 seconds or less.
Quick tips for an effective elevator pitch
- Say who you are, what you do, and how you add value
- Make sure to market your abilities, skills, and services
- Share high points and achievements
- Make eye contact and smile
This introduction can encourage fruitful dialogue which leads to authentic and meaningful relationships. You can also use your elevator pitch to share how you make a difference or impact your networking circle, business, and community. Practice your pitch before an event. Connect with a trusted colleague and ask for honest and constructive feedback. It is normal to have more than one elevator pitch depending on the networking event, attendees, and audience.
Conclusion
Use networking to build your confidence and excel in your goals. Find people who can support you and join associations which allow you to develop and grow. Make the most of all your networking opportunities by leading within those associations. Connect effectively with others and add value. Make sure to utilize your elevator pitch to further connect and showcase your abilities and skills. Using these effective tips allows you to master the art of networking and relationship building.
