In today’s age, networking is not what you know, but who you know. Through networking, we have been introduced to new clients, other businesses and prospective referrals. Here are some of our top tips for how to get the most out of networking.

Joining and participating in networking groups gets the ball rolling on building valuable connections. Take a look around and see what local groups are available. Often you can find groups tailored to particular locations, business sizes and industries.

The best groups are always in-person, with the option to break off and discuss with individuals you hope to connect with. Thankfully there is almost always a group in your area.
Online groups should also be considered and are a great way to complement in-person and face-to-face networking. There are groups for each industry and location, right down to towns. LinkedIn is a hub for such networking, but other sites such as Facebook also have pages for likeminded individuals and businesses. When joining an online group, the key is to be an active participant, and this is an easy way to position yourself as a knowledgeable and engaged professional in your field.

Being authentic, staying true to your strengths and meaning what you say is important. It is best to bring your authentic self to meetings and be honest about your current situation.
It is important to remember, networking is about building genuine relationships from your connections, not just adding numbers to your network.

Leverage mutual connections. Networking doesn’t just have to be done in groups. You can ask your existing network for introductions to people you want to connect with. A personal introduction is often more effective than a cold connection request.

Build connections which align with your business objectives and personal values. More often than not, people who get along with each other as individuals tend to become great business connections too.
Attending events is also key when it comes to putting a face to a name. Attend in-person events whenever possible. If this isn’t possible, virtual events and webinars can also be excellent opportunities. If you’re able to host an event, especially if it is related to your line of business, it will establish you as an expert and be an opportunity to expand your current circle.

So, get out there and start networking! You never know who you may meet.