Tips to Become a Better Networker

Written by Victoria Williams.

There is no one exact way to launch a new career, makeover an already existing one or establish yourself as a mover and a shaker around town. However, your professional success and the pace at which you climb the corporate ladder are measured more by who you know, rather than what you know. And, in order to succeed, you must make an effort to connect with others through networking.

Establishing yourself as an effective networker or improving upon you networking style does take personal commitment and a bit of planning upfront, according to Patti DeNucci.

DeNucci is a networking specialist, who has used her more than two decades of experience as a business owner, communicator, coach and connecter to establish a successful career for herself helping people live, work and connect better with others.  She is also the author of the award-winning book, “The Intentional Networker: Attracting Powerful Relationships, Referrals & Results in Business” and a former board member of our organization.

While the idea of putting yourself out there might be a daunting and frightening thought, DeNucci said, knowing “what it is your trying to accomplish” and reflecting on what you want out of a networking experience will help you to be a better networker.

Being an effective networker extends much further than who you are, what you want and what you’re trying to achieve, however.

“Definitely polish up,” DeNucci said. “Pay attention to your appearance.”

According to DeNucci, you’re chances for making a good impression and ability to be remembered as an effective networker are greatly improved if you also keep these highly attractive traits in mind:

• Optimism
• Gratitude
• Integrity
• Caring
• Consistency
• Dreaming Big
• Who do you like to hire?
• Getting stuff done
• Having fun

“It’s not about you,” DeNucci said. “You’re more likely to attract what you’re looking for if you show up in a more giving manner.”

Remembering to “be generous” and making a conscious effort to “add value” are also key to good networking, according to DeNucci.

“Ask people how you can help them,” DeNucci said. “When someone does something nice, thank them.”

For more about DeNucci, her book or more ways to boost your networking effectiveness, visit www.intentionalnetworker.com.

Do you have any networking advice? Please share in the comments.