Networking, you often hear that it is an innate quality. However, most professionals, even salespeople, don't like it at all. It is not easy to just make contact with strangers, but as down-to-earth Dutch people we especially don't like to shamelessly brag about what we do and how good we are at it. It is often said that we were more like those Americans. So we dread networking drinks, and that's a shame. Good networking is an art that you can learn, practice and have a lot of fun with!

How do we define networks?

Let's start at the beginning! What's networks actually? In general, we see it as a purely commercial activity, 'hunting' for leads and business. Comparable even to cold calling, which many sellers also hate. Moreover, we often don't believe in it, is that right? However, good and successful networking cannot be compared at all to hunting. It is rather similar to fishing. Are you a 'hunting' networker? Then people will react just like animals do...they run away!

Networking requires patience and passion, just like fishing. You observe, wait patiently, and will eventually be rewarded with a nice catch. In your case, a lead that is a match with you and your organization. Passionate fishermen enjoy the moment, even if they don't catch anything. Do you approach networking in a similar way and enjoy the conversations you have, even if they don't lead to anything? Then you will have a lot of fun and achieve success.

Tips for networkers

1. Be and remain yourself

Actors are quickly spotted. Many people force a certain behavior while networking. The only way to be successful as a networker is to be yourself. Your passion and specific qualities can convince people and are also inspiring for your conversation partner, never forget that!

2. The follow-up is just as important as the conversation

During a networking event you can speak to many interesting people. However, you can only be in one place at a time and usually only have limited time for your conversation partners. So make sure you make good preparations that make follow-up possible. Connect on site on LinkedIn, or request a card. The day after the networking event, your follow-up can start with an email, phone call, or an exploratory online research into the contacts you spoke to. Too often, interesting conversations are not followed up and therefore great opportunities are missed.

3. Voluntary in the organization

Do you find it difficult or annoying to network with a group of strangers? By actively contributing to the organization yourself, you become involved at an early stage and thus get to know the people and guests. This improves your chances of thorough preparation and also ensures that those present already know you. You also have a great topic of conversation.

4. Prepare and be selective

During many network meetings there is the opportunity to receive information in advance about those present. An ideal opportunity to prepare yourself well. View the attendees, do a short preliminary investigation via LinkedIn, for example, and purposefully choose the people you are interested in. By preparing and being selective, you make your networking efforts more accessible and effective. However, do not exclude people, you will see that the conversations you least expect will contribute the most to your success!

Personal Networking Training

Do you want to learn the tricks of networking? Then follow our Personal Networking training. You will be given skills to make contact, enter into conversations and get to know and connect other networks.