Networking is a part of your professional career. It can benefit both you and your business. Developing a connection can lead to new opportunities and customers. Some people seem to be naturals at networking, others don’t like networking and actively avoid it. 

If you’re in the latter category, follow our tips for improving your networking skills. 

Analyse why you don’t like networking

What is it you don’t like about networking? Do you find talking to people difficult? Are you shy? Or do you think it’s a waste of time? Any of these things will make you avoid networking and all of the benefits that come with it.

Practice in a safe environment

Knowing why you don’t like networking is the first step. If it’s a question of shyness, you can take steps to build up your confidence so that you become more comfortable talking to people. Try starting conversations with people throughout the day, in a non-networking capacity.

It could be a co-worker you bump into in the canteen, or someone serving you in a shop. The more you do this the more comfortable you will become. 

Networking is not just about face to face meetings either. Many events are now virtual and LinkedIn is the biggest networking site in the world, read this great article on the top 5 LinkedIn tools to help you sell better in 2021, it will show you the scope of the platform.

Once you’re more comfortable, sign up for a few events that you are interested in, they don’t even have to be in your sector and use them become more comfortable in these situations without any pressure to perform. 

When you’re at these initial events, take time to observe people who do seem to be natural networkers (they do have to work at it too). 

If you are of the opinion that networking is a waste of time, you’re either attending the wrong events or are viewing it in a slightly selfish way. Networking is about building and maintaining relationships that may develop into opportunities in your career or business in the future. 

Good networking involves giving and take. But if you attend every event in sales mode, purely thinking ‘what’s in it for me’ then you’re probably going to be disappointed. 

Prepare

Like a lot of things in life, being well prepared can help you feel confident. Turning up to a networking event well prepared can go a long way to allaying your fears. 

Make sure you are looking your best and feeling confident. You should have prepared and information you need, have a number of business cards and a few talking points to fall back on when you find yourself stuck for things to say. 

Get out there and do it

The final step is just getting yourself out there and networking. As time goes on, you’ll get better at it, but you have to take the leap and start doing it. 

Conclusion

Learning how to network effectively is a skill that will serve you well in many areas of your life. Rather than seeing it as a purely business acquisition exercise, remember that networking is about bringing people of similar interest together to share ideas and give each other support. The professional and personal opportunities will flow from this.