Just this week I came back from Accra, Ghana, where I was asked to speak at the African Business Leaders Forum. It was an amazing experience, not just from a cultural perspective, but from a business and networking one, as well.
As I thought about what I might share with you from this experience, four tips for successful business networking came to mind. In this brief video, I’ll share four things I did that you can use to improve your own networking and connecting skills.
Action Steps:
- Watch this video and ask yourself: “On a scale of 0-10, how well am I doing with building long-term professional connections with people?”
- The next time you go to a networking event, have an attitude of “how can I give” instead of “what can I get.”
- The next time you meet someone new, practice using their name, and use it often.
- When you’re talking with someone, focus on them by maintaining eye contact and listening to them.
- Maintain long-term contact with new connections via social networks and possibly through a value-driven newsletter.
- Share your questions or comments on this page.
Principles to Learn:
- Connection is one of the factors that determines your marketplace value.
- When you come with an attitude of “give first”, you will build trust much faster than anything else you could say or do.
- The most beautiful sound in the world is the sound of your own name.
- When you give the person 100% of your attention, you’re communicating to them that they’re important. And when you do that, they will view you as more important.
- Long-term professional connections often have greater benefit that just a one-time meeting.
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