Last updated on Mar 23, 2024

What do you do if your networking skills need a boost?

Networking is an essential skill for professional growth and personal development. If you find your networking abilities lacking, it's crucial to acknowledge this and take proactive steps to enhance them. The art of building relationships is not innate for everyone, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can improve your networking skills and open doors to new opportunities. Whether you're an introvert struggling to initiate conversations or a seasoned professional looking to expand your network, there are effective methods to boost your networking prowess.

1 Assess Needs

To improve your networking skills, start by conducting a self-assessment. Reflect on past networking experiences and identify specific areas where you feel less confident or have encountered challenges. Is it starting conversations, remembering names, or following up effectively? Once you pinpoint your weaknesses, you can seek out resources and strategies tailored to those aspects. Personal coaching can provide guidance and practice opportunities to refine these skills in a supportive environment.

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Yemmie Olaleye (CMSA®, FTIP™) ✪

I help individuals make informed & strategic decisions in the financial market; charts into profitable opportunities. Market Analyst| Coach| Mentor| Thought leader| Futurist CFI: FMVA®| CMSA®| CBCA™| BIDA®| FTIP™| FPWM
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Assess where you need the boost in your networking. Is it in your communication and collaboration strength, or relationship keeping, or rapport building or something similar. Identify your area of weakness and get a mentor to walk you out of that phase. Or get a specific tailored resources to fill the gap for you.

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Ibrahim Diab

PhD Business Management | Business Development Director | Six Sigma | PMI | PHR | TOT | Speaker at ModumUP | Expert at Global Gate
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Consider conducting a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to thoroughly assess your networking skills. Identify specific areas where you excel (e.g., troubleshooting, network design) and where you may need improvement (e.g., subnetting, security protocols). Solicit feedback from colleagues, supervisors, or mentors to gain additional perspectives on your strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, assess industry trends and job requirements to ensure your skills align with current demands in the networking field.

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2 Set Goals

Setting clear, achievable goals is a fundamental step in boosting your networking skills. Decide what you want to accomplish through networking – it could be finding a mentor, securing job opportunities, or simply expanding your professional circle. With goals in mind, you can strategize your approach to networking events and interactions. This focus will help you measure progress and stay motivated as you work on enhancing your networking abilities.

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Ibrahim Diab

PhD Business Management | Business Development Director | Six Sigma | PMI | PHR | TOT | Speaker at ModumUP | Expert at Global Gate
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Break down overarching goals into smaller, actionable steps. For example, if your goal is to obtain a networking certification, create a study schedule with specific topics to cover each week. Ensure your goals are relevant to your career aspirations and consider seeking input from peers or mentors to validate your goals and ensure they are realistic. Regularly review and adjust your goals as needed based on your progress and evolving priorities.

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3 Practice Often

Like any skill, networking improves with practice. Seek out events and social gatherings where you can hone your skills. Start with low-pressure settings, such as local meetups or industry-specific online forums, before progressing to larger conferences or professional associations. The more you network, the more comfortable you will become with initiating and maintaining conversations, which is key to building meaningful connections.

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Ibrahim Diab

PhD Business Management | Business Development Director | Six Sigma | PMI | PHR | TOT | Speaker at ModumUP | Expert at Global Gate
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Implement deliberate practice techniques to maximize your learning and skill development. This might involve repeating networking tasks, such as configuring VLANs or troubleshooting routing issues, until you can perform them confidently and efficiently. Seek out challenging scenarios or projects to push your boundaries and expand your capabilities. Additionally, collaborate with peers or join study groups to exchange knowledge and experiences, providing valuable opportunities for peer learning and feedback.

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4 Learn Techniques

There is a wealth of techniques that can enhance your networking skills. For example, learning how to effectively use open-ended questions can encourage others to share more about themselves, making conversations flow more naturally. Active listening is also crucial; it demonstrates your interest and helps you remember details about your new connections. A personal coach can introduce you to these techniques and help you implement them in real-life scenarios.

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5 Leverage Technology

In today's digital age, technology offers powerful tools for networking. Platforms like LinkedIn allow you to connect with professionals globally. Understanding how to effectively use these platforms can greatly enhance your networking reach and efficiency. You can join groups related to your industry, participate in discussions, and even reach out to individuals whose careers or insights you admire.

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6 Reflect Regularly

Finally, regular reflection on your networking experiences is vital for continuous improvement. After each networking opportunity, take time to consider what went well and what could be improved. Did you make meaningful connections? Were you able to articulate your value proposition clearly? Use these reflections to adjust your approach and continue developing your networking skills with each new interaction.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if your networking skills need a boost?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Needs

2 Set Goals

3 Practice Often

4 Learn Techniques

5 Leverage Technology

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Personal Coaching

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What do you do if your networking skills need a boost?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Needs

2 Set Goals

3 Practice Often

4 Learn Techniques

5 Leverage Technology

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Personal Coaching

Rate this article

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