How to network your way to success in Canada
Credit to Author: Himanshu Narang| Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2019 04:30:42 +0000
Are you a self-employed professional looking to make new connections in Canada? Follow these five strategies to become a powerful networker
What is networking? As an entrepreneur or self-employed professional, it is all about positioning yourself in front of other people in a way that makes them willing to help you, work with you, recommend you or collaborate with you. You might have heard of the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” What I invite you to remember is “It’s not about who you know, it’s what they think of you.”
If you are not positioning yourself effectively, then the entire purpose of networking is defeated. Here are different strategies that you can implement to be a powerful networker.
Be clear on your message
This means being clear on what you want people to think about you, on how you want people to remember you and understand what you stand for. This is done by clarifying two elements:
- Your WHY — Why do you do what you do? Why are you in this specific field or industry? Why should people consider working with you? For example: if you are a business strategist, your why could be to help businesses make the right decisions and grow to the next level.
- Your unique selling proposition — What differentiates you from everybody else in the marketplace? What skills have you developed over time that not many people possess? This could be communication skills, diverse education, or the great results you’ve produced in the past.
Add value first to people you network with
Adding value means asking to help first before looking for help. If you are meeting someone who is further ahead in the game, ask them what you can help them with, if there is anything they are working on that you can potentially add value to. This simple gesture of you asking, will make them more willing to help you. If you can do this consistently, the relationship equity you will build over time will be exponential.
Get uncomfortable while networking
Most people stay within their comfort zone while networking, i.e., networking only with people who are familiar or in the same level of seniority. It’s difficult for people to network with those further ahead in the game. However, this is where the biggest opportunities exist. Step outside of your comfort zone. Connect with people that challenge you. You will start feeling comfortable in things that initially felt uncomfortable.
Listen more, talk less
Many people miss out on this. The person who is listening more is the one driving the conversation. Think about it. Being a good listener will position you in a way that would allow people to like you more, to spend more time around you. They will feel more appreciated. This will enhance the relationships you are developing.
Stay in touch with people you meet
As your network grows, it gets more and more difficult to keep in touch. The best way I know to keep in touch with your network is to maintain an email list where you send interesting ideas, industry news, interesting thoughts regularly — a newsletter of sorts. Another strategy is to post regular updates, articles, ideas, etc. on LinkedIn. These strategies ensure you are always on top of your network’s mind.
Start implementing these strategies and you will notice your network expanding, your influence growing and the right opportunities opening up. You will start climbing the ladder to success within no time.