How To Become A Networking Genius

Entrepreneurs need all the help they can get to successfully launch and build their startups. Networking is one such tool that entrepreneurs can use to meet investors, innovators and new clients. However, networking is not as easy as it seems. From going to the right networking event to meeting the right people who are genuinely interested in your company, networking, like everything else, requires a little bit of planning. Here are a few tips to become a networking genius before your next networking event.

Be Selective
Choose wisely, the networking event you wish to attend. In general, networking events bring in a lot of attention from a lot of people in the startup ecosystem. However, attending each and every startup networking event is not feasible as they tend to take up a lot of time. Instead of attending every networking event, choose your battles carefully in order to win the war.

Listen More, Talk Less
While networking events present the opportunity for entrepreneurs to present their ideas and showcase their startups, it’s also a great opportunity to learn new things. Networking events are a gold mine of information and knowledge flowing from industry experts, successful entrepreneurs and veterans. Make it a point to listen more at such events to pick up tips and hacks that can help your startup in the long run.

Approach Diverse People
You never know who can help you out. In order to make the most of the networking event, speak with people working in different sectors. Staying in comfortable and familiar territory defeats the purpose of the networking event. So expand your horizon and break away from those people you would meet regularly. You cannot do anything new if you stay in your comfort zone.

Be Generous
A networking event is not just an opportunity for you to meet new people, connect and grow but it is an opportunity for other startup founders to do the same as well. Help other startups and entrepreneurs out where ever you can and even introduce them to some of your contacts. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Follow up
Just attending a networking event will not be enough. You also have to follow up with the people you met at the event. A networking event is where the conversation begins and not ends. If you had a great exchange at the event then remember to follow up with either an email, phone call or even a message. Reference something you discussed as a gentle reminder and let them know that you want to stay in touch and you value their opinion.

At the next networking event, make the most of your time and others using these simple hacks!