Networking Tips

If just the idea of networking leaves a bad taste in your mouth, you are not alone. The first thing that people should remember is that is it not a collection of business cards that you are after, but rather relationships. When you approach a potential contact, have the mindset that it is a relationship because otherwise the other person will see right through you. Before you even start approaching people though, you need to have a clear idea of where you are headed. Write down your goals and how you are going to get there. There you are ready to connect your networking strategies with your goals. For each goal, write down three people that will help accelerate that goal and it could be a mentor, advisor, or even an investor that believes in your vision. Now the question becomes how to create that connection whether it is over video conferencing or in person. To be perfectly honest, it is rather simple. Ask insightful questions and be a good listener. Lastly, after you have made the connection, make sure to follow up on it.