Networking is a fine way to get things started for many businesses. It can lead your way to a wide range of market in a quick and economical manner. Networking can often be taken in imprecise manner. Smart networking doesn’t allow you to look like a salesman. To make sure networking goes in right direction and yields utmost success, know some handy and practical do’s and don’ts of networking.

Do’s

• Set SMART goals. Networking, like any other business activity deserves proper planning and penning down of clear, definite and measurable goals. The number one objective should relate to making a strong networking presence.
• Build an online image. Every business has a personality which clients instinctively bears in their minds. You can control the creation of this image- so make sure it’s a strong, desirable one.
• Appear seamless in what you are supposed to be good at. Just don’t talk about your product but also the overall field and general tips. Blogs on frequently asked questions can be a great way to generate leads, early in your business.
• Attend any possible event that relates to your field of operations. This is a great way to build rapport and find target audience.
• Try travelling places where you feel you have your potential clients.
• Make yourself present on the famous social media platforms in places of your target audience. So in Russia, you should exist on VK instead of or besides being on Facebook.
• Make a strong presence. Being present is not enough. Efforts should be made to make your presence have an impact. Many startups, after creating their YouTube Page, fails to upload videos on regular bases.

 

Don’ts

• Bring personal matters when discussing business deeds. This is not professional and might be deemed inappropriate.
• Do not say out your phone number at an event. Do not expect them to write down your number in a middle of an event. Business cards are up for a reason.
• Keep your Facebook page inactive. This is a big turn-off
• Only publish text-based posts on Facebook. Trends suggest, picture posts are more likely to be shared, liked and hence appear more on others’ newsfeeds.
• Promote your service at an event you attended to build rapport. The purpose is to make a connection, a network- not sell your products right away.
• Consider everyone a potential client. If you do, please do not let it appear by your approach.
• Linger around when you feel left out in group discussions. Your first goal should not to be in such a situation by making a mark with good conversational skills. If that happens, excuse yourself and move on.
• Give business cards to every person you see. This is not the technique of successful networkers.

Effective networking requires interpersonal skills. A right person can guarantee it is being done in the most efficient manner. Online networking can be made more constructive if current trends are always considered.