If you’ve ever been to a networking event, you know it can be a game-changer.
Some folks just seem to have a knack for it, effortlessly building connections and making themselves memorable.
Now, wouldn’t you love to know their secret?
Well, it’s not quite as elusive as you might think. In fact, those who excel at networking typically exhibit eight distinct behaviors.
This is the heart of networking.
Yet, the art of networking goes beyond simple handshakes and business cards. It’s an intricate dance, a delicate balance of authenticity, self-awareness, and consistent growth.
Some people just seem to be naturals at it. But what sets them apart? Let’s explore the 8 behaviors that make them so skilled at networking.
Stay tuned – you might just learn a thing or two!
1) They’re naturally curious
Networking is a curious game.
You walk into a room full of unfamiliar faces, armed with nothing but your charm and a handful of business cards. It’s daunting, to say the least.
But the best networkers? They thrive in this environment.
Why? Because they’re genuinely curious. They have an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a genuine interest in the stories of others.
This curiosity fuels their ability to connect with people on a deeper level.
They ask questions, listen attentively, and remember the details.
This shows their conversation partner that they’re valued and appreciated, which strengthens the bond between them.
If you’re naturally curious, networking is your playground.
It’s your chance to learn about new industries, discover new perspectives, and uncover hidden opportunities.
Go forth and explore – you never know what you might find!
2) They’re authentic
Authenticity is the backbone of effective networking.
I remember when I first started attending networking events. I was nervous, unsure of myself, and felt the need to project a certain image.
I’d rehearse my elevator pitch, try to sound more accomplished than I felt, and sometimes even exaggerate my successes.
The result? My connections felt superficial and short-lived.
It wasn’t until I decided to let go of the facade and be my authentic self that things started to change.
I began sharing my real story – the triumphs and the failures, the good days and the bad ones.
I found that people were more interested in engaging with me because they could relate to my experiences. My connections became more meaningful, and I developed relationships that have lasted for years.
Being authentic doesn’t mean you have to share every detail of your life. It simply means being genuine, showing up as you are, and not being afraid to show your vulnerabilities.
Because at the end of the day, we’re all human. We all stumble, we all fall, and we’re all just doing our best to pick ourselves up and keep moving forward.
Don’t be afraid to be you – it’s your greatest asset in the world of networking.
3) They’re proactive
In the world of networking, the early bird really does catch the worm. Proactivity is a common trait among successful networkers.
They don’t wait for opportunities to fall into their lap. Instead, they go out and create them.
They follow up on introductions, initiate conversations, and actively seek out potential connections.
Research shows that proactive individuals are more likely to achieve their goals because they take control of their circumstances instead of waiting for things to happen.
This trait is particularly beneficial in networking situations where opportunities are often fleeting.
Proactivity in networking goes beyond making the first move. It involves staying connected with your network, regularly checking in with your contacts, and always being on the lookout for ways to help others.
Networking is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process. And being proactive can significantly enhance your chances of success.
4) They’re good listeners
Listening is an underrated skill, especially in the world of networking.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that networking is all about talking – about selling yourself, your ideas, your business.
But in reality, the most successful networkers are often the ones who talk the least and listen the most.
When you listen, you give others a chance to share their stories, their successes, their struggles.
You give them a platform to express themselves, and in return, they feel seen and appreciated.
Moreover, by listening, you learn more about others – their needs, their desires, their goals.
This information is crucial in building meaningful connections and identifying potential opportunities for collaboration.
Whenever you find yourself at a networking event, resist the urge to dominate the conversation. Instead, ask questions, show genuine interest, and listen. You might be surprised at what you’ll learn.
5) They’re always prepared
Preparation is key in networking, and it’s a habit I’ve learned to adopt over the years.
I remember walking into my first networking event with nothing more than a vague idea of what I wanted to achieve.
Needless to say, I left the event feeling overwhelmed and somewhat disappointed.
But over time, I’ve learned the value of being prepared. Now, before any networking event, I take the time to set clear objectives. What do I want to achieve? Who do I want to meet? What information do I want to gather?
I also make sure to have my ‘elevator pitch’ ready – a clear, concise summary of who I am, what I do, and what sets me apart.
This helps me make a strong first impression and sparks interest among potential connections.
And finally, I always carry a few business cards with me. You never know when you might meet someone who could play a pivotal role in your career or business.
In networking, as in many areas of life, success favors the prepared mind. Always be ready to seize the opportunities that come your way.
6) They don’t always talk business
Networking isn’t just about business. In fact, some of the most fruitful networking conversations often steer away from work-related topics.
You see, networking is about building relationships. And relationships are built on shared interests, experiences, and values – not just business transactions.
Having a conversation about your favorite books, your travel adventures, or even your weekend plans can help you connect with others on a personal level.
It shows that you’re not just interested in what they can do for you professionally, but in who they are as individuals.
Moreover, these non-business conversations can often reveal shared interests or experiences that can strengthen your connection and pave the way for future collaborations.
Don’t be afraid to stray away from the business talk. You might find that it’s the quickest way to build meaningful connections.
7) They follow up
Following up is a crucial part of the networking process, yet it’s often overlooked.
After a networking event, the best networkers make it a point to reach out to the people they’ve met.
They send a quick email, connect on LinkedIn, or even schedule a follow-up meeting.
This simple act of following up accomplishes two things. First, it shows that you’re genuinely interested in the relationship. Second, it helps keep you top of mind for future opportunities.
Following up also provides an opportunity to strengthen the connection. You can share relevant resources, offer assistance, or simply continue the conversation you started during the event.
Networking doesn’t end when the event is over. The most fruitful relationships often develop long after the initial meeting.
8) They’re consistently present
Networking isn’t a sporadic activity you do once in a blue moon – it’s a consistent effort.
Those who are exceptional at networking understand this, and they make it a point to be present and active in their professional community.
They attend events, webinars, and workshops. They engage in online discussions.
They keep their profiles updated and stay active on professional networking platforms.
Being consistently present not only keeps you visible to your network but also allows you to stay on top of industry trends, developments, and opportunities.
Make networking a regular part of your professional routine. Your future self will thank you for it!
The art of networking
If you’ve journeyed with me this far, hopefully, you’ve gathered that exceptional networkers aren’t just born—they’re made.
Networking isn’t about having a silver tongue or an impressive title.
It’s about genuine curiosity, authenticity, being prepared, listening, not always talking business, following up, and being consistently present.
In essence, networking is about building and nurturing relationships. It’s about meeting people where they are and appreciating them for who they are.
And while it may take some effort and practice to perfect these eight behaviors, remember that every conversation you have is an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect.
Next time you step into a networking event or strike up a conversation with a potential connection, keep these behaviors in mind.
They could just be the key to transforming your networking game—and who knows, maybe even your career.
After all, as the saying goes: “Your network is your net worth.” Make every interaction count.
