Networking is not always easy

Successful networking is not always easy, particularly if your personality is not particularly geared to establishing relationships with complete strangers, even if it is important for your business to do so. However there are some simple steps to take that will make the process as painless as possible.

The number one priority for anyone hoping to successfully create business relationships from scratch is to establish credibility from the offset. People can see through phonies straight away so it is never good to pretend to be interested in someone and try to fake it.

Once you have found the person with whom you want to network, beginning by simply asking their opinion of the conference or seminar so far is a good way to break the ice.

Once they respond, ensure you are fully listening to their response. Don’t be distracted, don’t look around the room and flag down the waiter for a drink; give them your full attention. If they feel they have been listened to you have almost instantly established your credibility.

If they are as interested in you as you are in them, they will inevitably turn the conversation round to you and ask your opinions. It is then that you can direct the conversation to the particular subject that you had in mind.

Make sure at all times that you are authentic, transparent and genuine in your efforts to get to know the individual. Of course, if you find you really don’t have anything in common, you can bow out of the conversation as gracefully as you entered and move onto the next person.