Six Proven Strategies to Network Like a Pro

Networking was a daunting process for me for many years. It was an aspect of professional life I knew I needed to get more confident in, but the idea of walking into a room full of strangers and striking up conversations felt overwhelming. However, like many things in life, the only way to get more comfortable with something is to do more of it, and that’s exactly what I did.

After months of convincing myself that it was time to step out of my comfort zone, I finally attended my first networking event of the year. I had been putting it off for too long, but a good friend of mine, who seemed to effortlessly make connections, encouraged me to give it a try. 

Overcoming Initial Networking Hurdles

I’d be lying if I said that the first event was easy. I felt awkward, unsure of what to say, and even considered slipping out the door before anyone noticed I was there. But I stayed, and slowly but surely, I started to engage in conversations. 

It wasn’t perfect, but it was a start. Like any skill, networking improves with practice. So, I made a pact with myself and my accountability group that I would attend a minimum of one networking event a month.

By April, I decided to up my goal to two events a month. This commitment forced me to face my fears and engage in networking consistently. 

The more I did it, the more comfortable I became, and I began to realise that networking wasn’t about trying to impress others by inflating your ego or collecting business cards like collectables; it’s about cultivating meaningful relationships that can enhance your network and open doors to new opportunities. 

Here’s how to network like a pro and build connections that genuinely boost your personal brand:

1. Refine Your Elevator Pitch

Before stepping into any networking event, it’s essential to have a well-crafted elevator pitch that clearly conveys who you are, what you do, and what you stand for. An effective elevator pitch follows the three C’s: Clear, Concise, and Compelling. 

When you master this, it becomes easier to communicate your value in a way that sparks interest and encourages further dialogue. If you’re multi-hyphenate and involved in various fields, having a strong understanding of your brand also allows you to tailor your pitch to suit different audiences.

Quick Tip: Practice your elevator pitch in front of a mirror or with a friend to ensure it sounds natural and confident.

2. Spend More Time Listening

When I was younger, my grandmother would always say, “We have two ears and one mouth for a reason” I often asked her what she meant, but she never explained. Over time, however, it made perfect sense. 

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learnt is to spend more time listening and learning about the people you’re talking to than making it all about yourself. People appreciate when you show genuine interest in their stories and experiences. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t share your own, but rather that the focus should be on building a two-way dialogue. 

Ask questions, be curious, and listen actively. This approach not only helps you learn more but also leaves a lasting impression when you can refer back to what someone said weeks or even months later.

Quick Tip: During conversations, use active listening techniques like nodding and summarising what the other person said to show that you’re engaged.

3. Be Authentic and Genuine

Networking isn’t about putting on a show. It’s about being authentic and genuine in your interactions. People can sense when you’re being real, and they’re more likely to connect with you if they feel you’re sincere. 

Don’t try to be someone you’re not or overly embellish your accomplishments. Instead, be open about your journey, including the challenges you’ve faced. This vulnerability can often lead to deeper, more meaningful connections.

Quick Tip: Share a personal anecdote or story to connect on a deeper level and make your interactions more memorable.

4. Leverage Both Online and Offline Platforms

In today’s digital age, networking isn’t confined to in-person events. Online platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter are powerful tools for building and maintaining connections. After attending an event, I make it a point to post about my experience, share what I’ve learned, and tag the event organisers to show my appreciation. 

This not only keeps the conversation going but also helps you stay on the radar of those you’ve met. Additionally, engaging online beforehand can help you build rapport and familiarity, making it easier to connect when you meet in person.

Quick Tip: Regularly update your social media profiles and engage with posts from your connections to stay visible and relevant.

5. Give Before You Receive

Another key lesson is to approach networking with a mindset of giving rather than taking. Offer your help, share resources, or make introductions when you can. This generosity builds goodwill within your network and often comes back to you in unexpected ways. By consistently adding value to others, you create a network that is supportive and eager to reciprocate when you need it.

Quick Tip: Keep a list of people you’ve helped and follow up periodically to see if they need anything else. This strengthens your network and fosters mutual support.

6. Follow Up and Stay Connected

Finally, following up is crucial. After meeting someone new, send a personalised follow-up message, referencing your conversation and expressing your interest in staying connected. Over time, continue to engage with your connections through regular check-ins, sharing relevant content, or inviting them to events. This ensures that your network remains active and that you’re top of mind when opportunities arise.

Quick Tip: Set reminders to follow up with new contacts within 24 hours of meeting them to keep the connection fresh and show your continued interest.

Moving Forward…

Networking is a skill that can be learnt and refined over time. While it may start out feeling daunting, with practice and consistency, it can become a powerful tool for building connections that boost your personal brand. 

By understanding your brand, listening more than you speak, being authentic, leveraging both online and offline platforms, giving generously, and following up consistently, you can network like a pro. And always remember, each event is a new opportunity to learn and grow. 

If you see me at your next networking event, please come over and say hello. We’re in this together! Also, feel free to share your own networking tips and experiences in the comments below—I’d love to hear them.

See you next week!