Ready to network like a boss?

There are countless ways to make connections with colleagues, leads, and customers these days — but there are time-tested principles of networking that apply across all of these channels. In this post, we’ll guide you through proven techniques to make the most of networking events, both online and offline. 

Practice Active Listening

You may think you’re an active listener, but pay attention next time you have a conversation with anyone. How much time do you spend fixated on what you’re going to say next, or the other person’s body language, rather than the content of what they’re saying? 

Active listening is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a complex skill that requires focus on multiple things at once. At a basic level, active listening begins by focusing your attention on the speaker. Eliminate distractions to the best of your ability, and engage all of your senses. Pay attention to the words being spoken, but also the meaning behind the person’s words, as indicated by their tone and body language.

On your end, practice organically reiterating what’s been said to you in order to clarify the speaker’s statements and feelings. Use body language, like nodding or smiling when appropriate, to demonstrate that you’re listening and understanding. Maintain eye contact about 70% of the time while the speaker is talking, breaking it briefly to keep from appearing too intense. And when it’s your turn to speak, use open-ended questions to encourage in-depth responses. For example, instead of “Are you new to this industry?” ask, “How did you get your start in this industry?”

Be Authentic

Genuine engagement should almost come naturally when you’re being authentic. It’s only those times when you feel you have to act a certain way that engagement becomes a challenge, so if you usually feel like you’re “putting on,” it may take a little bit of inner work to get comfortable enough with yourself to let your true personality come out.

If being authentic in a business setting is uncomfortable for you, move slowly. Instead of feeling compelled to open up, try practicing true curiosity with others. Ask questions that you want to know the answers to, and provide thoughtful responses. More often than not, people are delighted to talk about topics that interest them or their areas of expertise.

Find Ways to Provide Value

All relationships involve give and take, and business connections are no different. Whether you’re more of a giver or a taker, it’s your responsibility to strike a balance between the two. Before a networking event or meeting, take time to consider what you have to offer. It might not be your product or solution, but rather, your own connections — your ability to introduce someone to another person of interest. You might have advice or experience unrelated to work that you can share in order to build a connection. Be confident in the value you bring, and offer it readily when it’s appropriate.

Master Your Elevator Pitch

While you probably won’t lead a cold introduction to a stranger with an elevator pitch, there will certainly be moments when you’ll only have a few seconds to summarize what you do. When preparing your elevator pitch, write down what makes you unique, who you serve, and what you do for them. Consider your call to action: what do you want the other person to do after your elevator pitch? Do you want their contact info or to continue a conversation? Craft your pitch with your objective in mind, practice it multiple times in the mirror, and recite it confidently when the time comes.

Here’s an example of an elevator pitch for a graphic design service where the call to action is to open a conversation:

“Hi, I’m Megan. I help tech companies design eye-catching logos that convey their unique value propositions. I’ve worked with over fifty startups. Which startup stage is your company in?”

By contrast, here’s another elevator pitch for an author, where the goal is to gather contact info:

“Hi, I’m Juan. I’m the author of the Entrepreneurship Kids book series, which inspires 8-12 year old entrepreneurs to start their own companies. If you know of a kid who might enjoy that, would you like to join my email list to get a free gift for them?”

Seek Ways to Extend Your Professional Circle

You can’t be everywhere at once. However, when you’re present on social media channels, you can broaden your professional network exponentially for a fraction of the effort it takes to make new connections in real life. Set aside some time to focus on each of today’s leading social media channels. Try spending a whole week engaging deeply on each platform to get the most out of it. 

While LinkedIn is still a leader for business networking (and especially B2B), you may be surprised at the quality of connections you can make on other channels like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Investigate newer platforms like Threads to see if they appeal to you, too.

Look for Industry-Specific Gatherings

It’s far easier to employ all of these tactics and build communication skills in an environment where you feel comfortable. Leverage the familiarity of your industry and get involved in events focused on your niche. Local or trade events tend to be more intimate than larger conferences, which can make it easier to make a lasting impression.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, professional, or business owner, test these principles out on friends and family before your next professional event to gain some valuable experience. With the right tools and tactics in place, you’ll be sure to build better and stronger connections for your business.