Networking
- vablaisep
- Jun 16
- 2 min read
Warm Up
How do you define the word “networking?”
Have you ever experienced networking?
What do you think is the purpose of networking?
Reading
The purpose of networking is not only to generate sales, leads or push a promotion. The point of networking is to increase the visibility and credibility of a company. As a byproduct, it is likely to produce a trusted network of contacts and suppliers.
If you want to be a good networker, you must understand what you are trying to achieve, and the right people will always promote the company well. Meeting individual people and getting to know them would be a very inefficient way of doing this. Open questions about the other person are quite useful for starting up a conversation as nobody likes the feeling of not knowing what to say. Many networkers know this and develop a habit of carrying around a few ice breakers in their heads.
After meeting prospects, it is crucial that they are contacted after the event. A simple email, saying you enjoyed meeting them and a personal touch to the greeting is enough. You do not want to put them off by having any kind of sales pitch in the message. Instead, reinforce the visibility of the company by networking twice — once in the event and once through email.
Most professionals think of networking as semi-formal invited events, where the purpose is to network. However, networking is about increasing visibility, and this can happen through informal gatherings too. Parties, weddings, community service projects, and church activities are some of the events in which groups of people gather regularly, and where easy, informal conversation can take place. Networking is a subtle process. It can produce opportunities in places that are unexpected. The trick is to be doing it with purpose.
Reading Comprehension
What is the purpose of networking apart from generating sales or leads?
Where can networkers find prospects?
What do networkers usually do after meeting people?
Discussion Questions
Which methods work best for you in expanding your professional network?
When meeting new people online or at events, how do you start a conversation?
Is there a memorable instance where you gained a valuable opportunity through networking?
How do you keep up with the current company contacts within your network?
How do you balance networking to further your profession and creating sincere, deep connections?
What characteristics do you believe networkers need to have?
What role do social media sites like LinkedIn serve in networking?
How do you go about networking with people who come from different backgrounds?
Could you provide any advice on how to efficiently follow up with new contacts after a first networking meeting?
How do you evaluate the success of your networking efforts?
