Six Expert Tips To Help You Become a Networking Ninja

Networking. That dreaded word that many freelancers loathe. It brings up images of dreary events, cold buffets and self-important people who just want to talk endlessly about themselves. Are they really that important? Well, frankly – yes, they are.

Because business is about people. Ask anyone where they get most of their new business enquiries and it's from people they know or word-of-mouth recommendations.

You have to actively build a network if you want to succeed in this game. You need contacts. There's no getting around it. (Yes, I'm talking to you introverts at the back – you can't avoid people!)

But how do you make the most of networking? How do you get people to like you? And how on earth do you leave the right impression? Don't fret! We've plucked a few words of wisdom from some of the world's leading entrepreneurs and innovators to help you become a networking ninja. Someone people will like, remember and – most importantly – recommend to others.

1. This isn't about you – it's about them

"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you."
– Dale Carnegie

Business is all about people. If people like and trust you, they'll throw work your way. How do you win their admiration? By being sincerely interested in them. That's it. That's the magic. Ask lots of questions, listen to what they say and respond accordingly.

This is not an opportunity to talk about yourself. By all means, if people want to know more about you, go for it! Just don't dominate the conversation and aim to swing it back to them. People will absolutely love you for being so interested in what they have to say.

Oh and – another top tip – say their name! Dale Carnegie, author of How to Win Friends and Influence People, says it's the most magical sound in the world to them, so it will definitely help you win their respect.

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Author: Katy Cowan