Four Tips for Successful Networking
Following the exciting launch of our new podcast, ‘WNA Trailblazers’, we have put together a summary of networking tips featured in Episode One.
1. Put yourself out there
As the saying goes, you get out of it what you put in, and this is especially relevant to any sort of network or professional association. Rather than sitting back and expecting that everything will happen, you have got to be prepared to seize opportunities and show your dedication and ambition, whether that be attending an event you wouldn’t normally attend or putting your hand up for a speaking opportunity.
Follow-up with a phone call or email. Ideally have a clear purpose or offer to make and ensure it is personalised to the contact.
2. Take the time to build trust
Forming deep relationships is an essential part of successful networking. Don’t attend an event expecting to pick up instant clients. Focus on making one or two real connections.
Remember, trust is everything. It’s the critical factor in consumer buying behaviour and any sort of decision-making that we engage in. You’ve got to earn that trust over time. But how can you do this?
Trust comes from repeated efforts. It’s about turning up to multiple live and virtual events; being a team player and forming those genuine connections which lead to the next tip!
3. Take the time to form genuine relationships
Humans are hard-wired to connect with each other. It is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives. One genuine aspect of a positive business relationship is the “word of mouth” referral – whether you give a referral or are the recipient of one. WNA CEO Cheryl Gray refers to trust-based networking as ‘like a spider web’ that can spin out and become intertwined, enabling you to connect with many like-minded and incredible people from one initial genuine connection.
Women’s Network Australia members have found that, post-COVID, smaller and more intimate gatherings where you can still be in a group setting but connect more effectively with around 10-12 people is more effective that larger events. We’ve seen our members form genuine connections and business collaborations through these smaller events. We’ve also shared vulnerabilities by creating a safe space for women in business.
4. Be part of multiple networks
As business women, we wear many hats. Being part of a professional association— whether you’re an accountant or a journalist—puts you among professional peers who can provide feedback and guidance to help to excel in your chosen field. But also look for diversity in your networking so you can learn from a range of professional and even personal experiences. We can all learn and teach each other something and bring a shared experience or knowledge.
There is real benefit in being part of multiple networking organisations. Whether it’s an art club or hobby-related activity, you’re mixing with different people, as well as having a professional focus. If you’re invested and engaged with different organisations, you’ll broaden your thinking and will be challenged to get out of your comfort zone – with something that allows you to cut across different sectors and see everything from sole traders who are working from home, to CEOs of ASX listed companies. Really think to yourself, “Why am I here and what am I getting out of this?”
To hear more networking tips and connect with WNA Trailblazers, LISTEN TO EPISODE ONE AND SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
We would love to share more networking tips with you, so please join us and listen to Episode One, where Women’s Network Australia CEO Cheryl Gray talks to podcast expert, Louise Poole, from Welcome Change Media, about how important networking is, and how Women’s Network Australia is doing things differently.
Subscribe today to find out exactly what lies behind the success of WNA, how it has gone from strength to strength over 30 years, and what’s in store for an exciting future as we amplify the voices of women in business.
