How to Develop Networking Skills? - Prof.M.S.Rao

"If you build a network, you will have a bridge to wherever you want to go."- Harvey Mackay



Do you want a career of your choice? Do you want to get your contract executed successfully? Do you want to get noticed as a leader in your domain? Do you want to help others? Do you want to rise above from the rest? Networking is the only mantra for all these questions.


What are Networking Skills?

“It's all about people. It's about networking and being nice to people and not burning any bridges.” Mike Davidson

In this complex and competitive world, to be successful in life, you require both hard work and network. Networking skills are all about being good with others and being helpful for others without expecting anything in return from others. Networking is about sharing knowledge, information, ideas and insights that builds everlasting relationship. Aristotle said very long ago that man is a social animal. He cannot live alone. He needs people to socialize and move forward. Abraham Maslow, in his hierarchy of needs highlighted about the importance of social needs once both physiological and security needs are met. All these things prove beyond doubt about the human beings craving for socialization and affiliation. Networking is subset of socialization wherein all the involved parties can leverage mileage for their mutual progress and prosperity. It is like clapping with both hands for achieving all round success.


Qualities of a Networker:

The networkers have to go an extra mile. They need to possess several characteristics such as being open, receptive, flexible and winsome. They should be good at attentive and active listening skills. They must be able to memorize the names of the people to become close to them and may have to go out of the way to help others. It is an added advantage if they have magnetic personality to attract and network with others. Succinctly, they should think of how much they can give rather than how much they can take from others. Above all, they should have the attitude of gratitude.


Merits of Networking Skills:

"The successful networkers I know, the ones receiving tons of referrals and feeling truly happy about themselves, continually put the other person's needs ahead of their own." Bob Burg

Some people have magnetic personality and they attract people and network easily through their charisma. And some people hone these skills. These skills are essential everywhere be it in business, career for achieving all round success. It helps in unwinding ourselves. It also helps in getting to know and appreciate others’ areas of interest.

It helps in survival and success. If you have sound networking you can get the things done by telephonic conversation alone. It helps in getting employment as it is reported that 85% of the jobs are available through networking alone. The concept is known as referral recruitment where the presently working employees of a specific organization refer the people known to them to their employers. It minimizes the costs involved in conducting an interview for employers as well as getting the best talent in a shortest possible time.


How to Develop Networking Skills?

Prepare a list of like minded people irrespective of your industry. Meet them personally and regularly, if possible. If it is not possible, call them over phone and enquire about their well being.

Join in Clubs or associations or forums where you will have better influence and can get noticed. Of course, it is also essential to network with people outside your domain as well. Spend your quality time with people with whom you gel well. Retain the network you already have. It is two way traffic. As you need two hands to clap you also need to reciprocate with response from others without any expectation and anticipation. Below are few tips for effective networking skills.

• Always be winsome.
• Give a firm handshake when you meet people.
• Maintain eye contact.
• Listen attentively.
• Encourage people to talk.
• Find similarities not differences.
• Maintain a separate diary of contact numbers and addresses for future and further follow-up.
• Display natural enthusiasm and energy while interacting with new people.
• Send mails to them on occasions of their birthday or something special that touches them.
• Learn to remember the names and important events about the individuals.
• Strengthen what you have and gradually expand for new links. Don’t lose diamonds when you are in search of stones.
• Be genuine and don’t be phony.
• Build bridges not barriers.


Conclusion:

“Networking is an essential part of building wealth.” Armstrong Williams

In this uncertain and complex world we need to secure ourselves which is possible only through right networking skills. It is a kind of insurance to protect our future by helping and seeking help from others. What goes around will come back to us. Maintain contacts regularly without expecting anything in return. Don’t hesitate to help as well as to seek help so as to grow successfully in your personal, professional and social life.


The End