MasteringThe Art Of Networking

Ah, networking. Whether you love it or hate it (and let’s be honest—most people hate it), it’s a crucial part of professional growth. So, how can you make it easier? IOTOO has outlined a few things that will help you to get over the hump to make things a little more comfortable.

In this new decade, it's a crucial time to start leveraging your network to help you land that dream job. If you're stepping out on faith and opening your own business. You will need a solid network of mentors to get you to achieve your goals. But what if you don't know anyone that can recommend you for a particular position or help you to start a new business? Or, what if you've been shy and haven't built a network at all? Networking seems scary to most people, but once you develop a plan to find the relationships you need to help you in your goals, you'll see a world of difference in making valuable connections. Here are some tips on mastering the art of networking in this new year.

Finding Likeminded People To Help Mission

People tend to forget that networking is a strategic process, just like writing a resume or cover letter. To figure out whom you need to know, you must first determine where you are attempting to go. This process is called strategic networking. The alternative is unstructured networking that will never produce great results. When you begin to reach out to people to build your network, ask yourself what your mission is in your career or business and what your motive is to build that specific relationship.

Embracing Your Introvert Or Extrovert Personality

Many believe that extroverts have an easier time networking than introverts do. Tomato/ Tomato neither is right nor wrong it's all in your perspective. Both are good and bad or their strengths and weaknesses. We can give several examples a pros or cons list, but here's a simple example, an advantage of introverts is they make room for dialogue in a conversation. A weakness, though, is they can be easily misunderstood because they tend to be more in the background of a social setting watch. Extroverts excel at navigating large groups of people and sizable events but may tend to talk more than they listen. Regardless of whether you are an introvert or extrovert, you can put all your characteristics to good use so long as you have a genuine interest in learning about other people. Remember that curiosity and showing real interest are the keys to having a good conversation with any person. You can learn new things and life lessons from everyone that you meet.

Becoming Memorable

The best way to be memorable in a conversation is through energy. So simple, right? Energy is one of the most desired traits of a person. In a world where everyone is fighting to stand out. Many people have a particular idea of what energy looks like in a conversation. Instead of focusing on putting on the qualities, you think mentors or other CEO or business owners want to see, focus on pursuing a career in something you are passionate about. Good energy derives from passion. If you Love what you do it will never feel like work. Once you are able to communicate with people with whom you have an authentic passion for your career, you can begin building relationships with trust and loyalty.

Work Smarter Not Harder

Once you've established a strong network of competent individuals who are talented in areas where your own skills are lacking, you represent a broader area of knowledge than you do when you stand alone. As you build new relationships, categorize them to give you an overview of whom you know, how well you know them, and how loyal you are to each other. This is the process of strategic networking. Networking as a skill is about mapping out whom you know, nourishing the relationships you have, and expanding by getting to know the people you don't know.

Be Present! . Remember networking is about building relationships you have to be present. Don’t hide behind your device because you feel socially awkward or out of your element.. Look people in the eye and lead with your humanity. Let them know that you’re a human being hoping to connect in an authentic way. We look forward to seeing you at one of IOTOO events.