Don’t stand in a line behind the boys. Take the reins and network like a superstar. Here are some networking tips that’ll exploit your natural penchant for communication.
By Craig Falck for Africa Report.
It’s time to get rid of that outdated philosophy. You know the one that rears its head around water coolers and book clubs. If ‘men are the only ones allowed to talk business’, then to get around that; businesswomen need to stand up, open their mouths and show that they can play hard-ball in the business world. If you’re already an established success, just imagine what lies in future if you apply a little female power to networking.
1. Choose the perfect time and location: If you’re battling to get in a word because men are shutting the door on you, go to gender-specific events where you’ll get all the speaking time you deserve. A network of healthy ties boosts your chance of success and drastically increases your presence among your male peers. Next thing, you’ll be attending common events and leveraging new ties over your male peers.
2. There’s no need to overcompensate: If you think you’re not worth what your male counterparts are, think again. Don’t rush through a sales pitch and give your life story to your audience – instead, tell them just enough to get them interested and wanting to hear more. Chances are they’ll take the bait and contact you.
3. Don’t be afraid to talk: Mingle with the group, email event organisers and get onto the list of speakers, open your mouth and just be yourself. This will also put you and your audience more at ease, especially when you all realise just how similar you are in the business world and that you’re just there to do business.
4. Be the person who follows up: Chats and business talks need follow-up queries, and women are notoriously friendlier than men. Grab as many business cards as you can, hand out as many of your own as you have, and make sure that you call and email new and existing contacts all the time, even if it’s just to say ‘hi’. You never know where that “hi” will turn generate a, “We were just talking about you…” response.
5. Forget about tying up business contracts right away: Relationships take time to build and you’re going to have to think about the big picture when you start talking. Don’t force the issue and push people into taking a deal. Chances are they’ll turn and run. When the time is right, they will come calling.
Many businesswomen don’t realise that they hold the key to the business world due to their natural penchant for communication. Just be yourself, talk from the heart, and use the skills at your disposal to network like a boss. Trust us, you’ll put both men and women in their place if you follow these tips.
Source: http://www.inc.com/geri-stengel/women-owners-7-tips-for-growing-your-network.html
