Blog: How to be great at business networking

Blog from economic growth team

Business networking

How to be great at business networking

Being great at networking with others is a valuable skill that can lead to numerous opportunities and personal growth.

Here are 10 key attributes that could help:

Active listening: Great networkers listen attentively to others and show genuine interest in their stories, experiences, and needs. This fosters stronger connections and meaningful conversations.

Showing empathy: Empathy means relating to the feelings and perspectives of others. Showing empathy makes people feel understood and valued and will strengthen your networking relationships.

Being ‘authentic’: Be true to yourself and express genuine thoughts and emotions. People are more likely to connect with someone who is honest and transparent.

Having a positive attitude: Maintaining a positive and optimistic outlook can be infectious. People are drawn to someone who exudes positivity.

Proactivity: Take the initiative. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; instead, seek out new connections and ways to ‘add value’ whenever you meet someone new.

Helpfulness: Offer help and assistance whenever you can. Your new contact may not be of immediate use to you, but they may be able to help the next person you meet.

Effective communication: Strong communication skills are essential in networking. Aim to be clear and confident in expressing your ideas.

Reciprocity: Relationships – and networking – are a two-way street. Be willing to offer help and support to others, it may well come back to you in the future. “What goes around comes around”.

Follow up and keep promises: After initial interactions, follow up with the contacts you have made and keep promises. Demonstrate that you value the relationship and what it could do for your business – and theirs.

Be curious: About everything. Curiosity drives exploration and learning about others’ interests, industries, and experiences. It will also make you a really interesting person to talk to.

If you seek to develop these 10 qualities, it could significantly improve your networking skills and help you to build a strong professional network.

The Marches Growth Hub Shropshire organise a range of networking events both in person and online. Check out their events here