To become good at networking, you have to be able to take an honest look at yourself and evaluate what traits you already have and what traits you need to acquire. To help in that effect, I have put together some common traits that all great networkers have.
- Following up on referrals. This is probably the most important thing you have to do. Failing to follow up with someone who says they want more information is begging for failure. That is one of the things that will spread the news that you are unreliable to do business with. On the other hand, there are those who ask you to follow up with them and keep finding an excuse to delay the meeting. You will eventually know when to stop wasting your time.
- Having a Positive Attitude. How many negative people do you like to be around? Not many, I would guess. A positive attitude makes people want to associate and cooperate with you. Positive business people are like magnets. Others want to be around you and will refer their family and friends to them.
- Be Enthusiastic & Motivated. To be respected within your networks, you need to sell yourself with enthusiasm. Once you've done an effective job of selling yourself, you'll be able to receive the reward of you contacts enthusiastically sell you to others.
- Be Trustworthy. Trust is everything. When someone refers you, they are putting their reputation on the line. Don't ever violate that trust. Neither you nor anyone else will refer a contact or valuable information to someone who can't be trusted to handle it well.
- Cultivate Good Listening Skills. A good networker listens more than they talk. The more you listen to them, the more receptive they will be when you say something. And the faster you and your networking partner get to know each other, the faster you'll establish a valuable relationship.
- Thanking People. This is one thing that is sorely lacking in today's business world. Because it is rare, expressing gratitude to associates and clients is another building block in building a relationship that will lead to referrals.
- Enjoy Helping Others. This can be done in a variety of ways, from showing up to help with an office move to clipping a helpful article and mailing it to an associate or client. Always keep your eyes and ears open to chances to advance your contact's interests.
- Sincerity. You can be helpful, thank people and listen to them, but they will know if it is all a show or whether you really mean it. However you structure your networking strategy, make sure you really believe in what you are doing or you will not succeed in the long run.
- Work Your Network. Master networkers don't let an opportunity to work their contacts pass them by. They use contact management software, organize their email address file and carry their referral partners' business cards as well as their own.
All of these traits are used to build long-term relationships with people. You are not out in the jungle trying to stalk your prey. The key is to build mutually beneficial business relationships.