You’ve probably heard the phrase “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” and in a society of interconnected individuals that statement seems truer than ever. So the question becomes – “How do I get involved in this community of contacts to improve me and my business”? The answer is networking.
It is an unfortunate truth that no matter how much experience or skills you have, you will never succeed if no-one knows you exist. In order to get what you want out of life, you need to be resourceful and utilising the people you know is one of the most resourceful ways you can operate.
In every town in every state in Australia and internationally are groups, chambers of commerce, societies and organisations who meet frequently for networking meetings, breakfasts, galas, functions – you name it and there will be a meeting for it, so the first step to take is to get yourself involved in these local affairs and start meeting people. Join every networking club and association in your field.
Learn to speak with people; anyone and everyone because you will be surprised at who can help you with what. Sign up to classes for public speaking which will not only help give you confidence in your conversational skills, it will help improve your writing skills and speech giving as well as teach you to understand body language.
Get into the practice of talking to people you don’t know everywhere you go. In saying this, be sure to then stay in touch with these people you meet because what’s the point of taking the time to talk to someone, accept their business card and then never contact them again?
Practice the presentation of your own skills and learn to be comfortable in talking to people and asking “what do you do?” with sincerity and interest. At the same time learn to really listen to the responses you get. Honestly remembering the people you spoke with and what they had to offer will help you when following up on any leads.
Lastly, remember that most people you meet will be more than happy to talk to you and assist in any way they can because successful people are people with contacts and not only will you be building your network; the people you speak to will be building theirs too.
Completely agree! It’s not what you know it is who you know. So many job opportunities are found through networks aswell. It really is fantastic how often you can support/help someone that you met through networking and they then return the favour.