Home LIFE TIPS HOW TO NETWORK EFFECTIVELY

HOW TO NETWORK EFFECTIVELY

by mariann.yip@gmail.com
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Networking is a term that I’m sure all of you are familiar with but there’s a difference between networking and networking effectively.  Given today’s shift to remote working, it’s important more than ever to learn how to connect with others on a more personal, meaningful manner. The first step is to redefine the concept of networking. Changing our thinking of how we connect can make a fundamental difference to our success in business.

YOUR NETWORK IS YOUR NET-WORTH:

Establishing relationships should never be transactional, but personal. I never go into a conversation or interaction with what can I get out of this, but rather what value can I add. Adopting the mindset of give before you take goes a long way, especially when you’re trying to build a strong network.

The size of your network also matters less than you think. What’s more important is the quality of your network and the structures behind it. Sometimes, we tend to prioritize growing our network in the hopes that the bigger the number, the better it appears on paper. However, networking is less about popularity, and more about purpose. You may think you have a lot of connections, so you have a lot of resources at your disposal but that’s not always the case.

I read somewhere that if you are looking for something whether it’s an opportunity, a referral or advice, if you have a strong network, you are easily able to tap into that and be able to get what you’re looking for within a certain amount of time such as 4-6 months. If nobody in your network can help you out, then it’s proof that you need to either strengthen those relationships or build new ones.

DIVERSIFYING YOUR NETWORK:

The people you are connected with should have a wide range of diversity in terms of thought, position, age, demographics, roles, experience, leadership styles, etc. This allows you to expand and grow professionally by having different people you have access to. You can also learn from others who are like minded as you but have different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. In order to diversify your network, look at what’s missing in your network and what you can add to it.

TIPS ON HOW TO NETWORK EFFECTIVELY:
  • If you are going to an event or have a virtual event, try to connect with at least one new person. Strike up a conversation and try to get to know them beyond the surface level. More often than not, you can discover a common ground with them.
  • Make sure you follow up: If you are making an effort to introduce yourself to someone, make sure you follow up afterward and send them an email. Also mention something you’ve talked about, so they can also know that you were engaged in the interaction. If you are able to bring up something personal, that helps to also break the ice and sets the foundation for a smooth relationship.
  • Think about your introduction: The way you introduce yourself to someone new is how they will mostly likely remember you. Master your introduction and carefully choose which words and titles you are associating yourself with. First impressions are everything and you only get one go at this!
  • Engage, be present, listen actively: When you are networking with someone, it is extremely important to not only be present and listen to what they have to say, but engage and ask follow up questions, so they know that you are interested in what they have to say and what they’re all about. Eye contact is extremely important and it’s a great way to make the other person feel heard and seen.
  • Check up consistently with your network: Message or email at least one person who you have not connected with in the last 6 months and let them know what you’re up to. This is a great way to reset the relationship and make sure that the relationship is still active. 

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36 comments

Jennifer March 9, 2021 - 07:40

Thanks for these great tips!

Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer

Reply
mariann.yip@gmail.com March 10, 2021 - 10:32

I hope they were helpful 🙂

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mariann.yip@gmail.com March 16, 2021 - 10:28

You’re so welcome Jennifer!

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Moritz March 10, 2021 - 17:10

Thanks a lot for this post! I often struggle with approaching others… <3

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mariann.yip@gmail.com March 16, 2021 - 10:27

It’s not always easy but I think if you have pure intentions, then people can see and receive that!

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Angelica March 11, 2021 - 12:31

Such an important post! I find networking to be key in any business, industry and these are such great tips to do it well.

XX Angelica
https://eraenvogue.com

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mariann.yip@gmail.com March 16, 2021 - 10:27

So glad you found them helpful Angelica!

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jodie March 11, 2021 - 23:51

Gosh, this is such a great post Mariann!! I know I have a hard time with networking and most of it is because I’m an introvert.
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

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mariann.yip@gmail.com March 16, 2021 - 10:27

Even though I’m an extrovert, I still get intimidated with networking at times, so I can relate! I think we just need to remind ourselves that if we go into each opportunity with a genuine approach, then we will become better networkers naturally.

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Lovely March 12, 2021 - 00:58

Amazing tips! Love this post!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com

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mariann.yip@gmail.com March 16, 2021 - 10:25

Happy to hear that!

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Sara March 12, 2021 - 01:49

Ah, these tips are absolutely necessary for people! Networking is something I’m trying to work on, so this post is perfect!! Thx for the deets, Mariann!

xx Sara
https://thecliqueblog.com

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mariann.yip@gmail.com March 16, 2021 - 10:25

You’re welcome Sara!

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Rach March 12, 2021 - 08:38

These are great tips!

http://www.rdsobsessions.com

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mariann.yip@gmail.com March 16, 2021 - 10:25

Glad you found them helpful!

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Simone March 12, 2021 - 11:29

Networking is so important and I’m glad my Bachelor taught me the importance and “pushed” us, my fellow students and I, because I’m shy and an introvert so otherwise I wouldn’t ever try networking by myself. Thank you for sharing these tips!

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mariann.yip@gmail.com March 16, 2021 - 10:24

I know it can be intimidating at times to try and put yourself out there, but the more you do it, the easier it becomes.

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Simona March 13, 2021 - 10:09

I loved this – have just started working for myself and this is so so important! Thank you for sharing x

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mariann.yip@gmail.com March 16, 2021 - 10:24

You’re welcome Simona!

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Danielle March 13, 2021 - 11:58

This is a fantastic blog post, networking is so important!

Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk

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mariann.yip@gmail.com March 16, 2021 - 10:24

I couldn’t agree more!

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Elegant Duchess Fashion and Lifestyle March 13, 2021 - 17:01

Great tips and incredibly valuable in current circumstances xx
Elegant Duchess xx
https://www.elegantduchess.com/

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mariann.yip@gmail.com March 16, 2021 - 10:23

Thank you, I hope these were helpful 🙂

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Tracy March 13, 2021 - 19:37

These are great tips! Networking is something that I’ve been trying to work on but isn’t always easy because I tend to be an introver.

Tracy
https://www.findyourdazzle.com

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mariann.yip@gmail.com March 16, 2021 - 10:23

It is still possible to network as an introvert! You can reach out to people one on one which may help take the pressure off of being with crowds.

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Margot March 14, 2021 - 11:31

This is so interesting.
Thanks you for sharing all theses tips.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com

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mariann.yip@gmail.com March 16, 2021 - 10:22

I’m glad you found them helpful 🙂

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Julia March 17, 2021 - 12:53

Thank you for sharing these great tips, Mariann. Loved this post!
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/

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mariann.yip@gmail.com March 18, 2021 - 20:35

Thank you Julia! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂

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Nancy March 17, 2021 - 21:06

Love these tips about networking! So important that you put yourself out there. You don’t know who can be a huge helping hand in the future. At the same time, also good to know more people :).

Nancy ✨ mdrnminimalists.com

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mariann.yip@gmail.com March 18, 2021 - 20:34

Yes exactly Nancy!

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Jill March 19, 2021 - 23:27

Wow these networking tips are amazing! I am honestly really intimidated by networking as a very introverted person. I love the idea of making sure you introduce yourself to at least one person. That feels so duable to me as an introvert!

Jill
https://jilliancecilia.com/

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Tara March 28, 2021 - 20:22

This post is so inspiring. I love how you say- If nobody in your network can help you out, then it’s proof that you need to either strengthen those relationships or build new ones. That’s so true. Networking is not just about meeting people, it’s about engaging and developing relationships with them. Thank you for this insight!

Tara
https://thefashionhousemom.com/

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mariann.yip@gmail.com March 29, 2021 - 13:17

I’m so glad that resonated with you!! Networking is more than just meeting people, it’s all about how you can add value to their lives as well.

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Tiziana April 15, 2021 - 07:28

Yes yes yes! What an amazing post! I really practiced networking a lot in the last year as it didn´t came so naturally to me. What helped me the most is to also understand how important it is to introduce to people that you know with each other. It´s easy for you, but I never realized before how big of an impact it can be for someone else 🙂
have a great day,
Tiziana
http://www.tizianaolbrich.de

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mariann.yip@gmail.com April 15, 2021 - 19:42

I love hearing that Tiziana because you’re totally right! I also didn’t think about it too but introductions are a vital component in networking.

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