Networking. This is one of the most touted words in recent times; but it is still one of the most misunderstood, or more appropriately, not fully understood. How many times have you heard the word being bandied about by colleagues at the company retreat, by friends at a get together, or even by you?

Wikipedia defines Networking as 'a socioeconomic business activity by which groups of like-minded business people recognise, create, or act upon business opportunities. A business network is a type of business social network whose reason for existing is business networking activity. Note the use of the verb 'act.' Networking is work! Networking does not just happen, you have to work at it. Here are four proven tips to help you master the art of Networking.

1. Figure out what you are looking for. Before you rush head on, plan. As the popular Nigerian saying goes "he who fails to plan plans to fail." Think about what exactly you need and what you aim to achieve with your network. Networking is time consuming,it is therefore only fitting that you spend that time productively.

2. Utilise the amazing tool called the spreadsheet. List out your contacts. These are all the people you are confident spending time on will yield 'dividends.' These contacts can be divided into sections (or mini-networks) based on what you expect to mine out of each. Against each mini-network, input times and dates for sending a mail, text, or making a phone call. Don't really know how to work a spreadsheet? No worries. Your typical pen and paper will work just fine.

Believe me when I say you need to do this. The key to effective and efficient networking is to constantly be on the radar of the contacts within each mini-network. This is done by constantly and continually keeping in touch.

3. Reach out and meet your contacts. Now that you've listed out your contacts, send each of them a personalised email (or text, no calls). The email should be short and specific itemising the key things you need advice on. Then ask if the contact would not mind giving the advice over lunch or just drinks-whatever works best for the contact, and for your pocket too! This is because, ultimately, there's no substitute for face-to-face interaction in the art of networking.

4. Show that you are prepared. The easiest way to muddle up all of your hard-earned effort is to not adequately prepare for your business meeting with your contact. Spend some time to research what relevant career questions to ask to get the best out of the meeting.

After the meeting, remember to say "thank you." Go back to your spreadsheet and note down valuable lessons learnt from the meeting against that particular contact's name, then plan towards your next business meeting.

Has this post been useful? Do you have something to add or questions to ask? Kindly let me know in the comments section. #Insidify

insidifyguru: Networking. This is one of the most touted words in recent times; but it is still one of the most misunderstood, or more appropriately, not fully understood. How many times have you heard the word being bandied about by colleagues at the company retreat, by friends at a get together, or even by you?

Wikipedia defines Networking as 'a socioeconomic business activity by which groups of like-minded business people recognise, create, or act upon business opportunities. A business network is a type of business social network whose reason for existing is business networking activity. Note the use of the verb 'act.' Networking is work! Networking does not just happen, you have to work at it. Here are four proven tips to help you master the art of Networking.

1. Figure out what you are looking for. Before you rush head on, plan. As the popular Nigerian saying goes "he who fails to plan plans to fail." Think about what exactly you need and what you aim to achieve with your network. Networking is time consuming,it is therefore only fitting that you spend that time productively.

2. Utilise the amazing tool called the spreadsheet. List out your contacts. These are all the people you are confident spending time on will yield 'dividends.' These contacts can be divided into sections (or mini-networks) based on what you expect to mine out of each. Against each mini-network, input times and dates for sending a mail, text, or making a phone call. Don't really know how to work a spreadsheet? No worries. Your typical pen and paper will work just fine.

Believe me when I say you need to do this. The key to effective and efficient networking is to constantly be on the radar of the contacts within each mini-network. This is done by constantly and continually keeping in touch.

3. Reach out and meet your contacts. Now that you've listed out your contacts, send each of them a personalised email (or text, no calls). The email should be short and specific itemising the key things you need advice on. Then ask if the contact would not mind giving the advice over lunch or just drinks-whatever works best for the contact, and for your pocket too! This is because, ultimately, there's no substitute for face-to-face interaction in the art of networking.

4. Show that you are prepared. The easiest way to muddle up all of your hard-earned effort is to not adequately prepare for your business meeting with your contact. Spend some time to research what relevant career questions to ask to get the best out of the meeting.

After the meeting, remember to say "thank you." Go back to your spreadsheet and note down valuable lessons learnt from the meeting against that particular contact's name, then plan towards your next business meeting.

Has this post been useful? Do you have something to add or questions to ask? Kindly let me know in the comments section. #Insidify

Something before now unheard of is coming to Nairaland. Celebrating Nigeria @ 54. Watch this space.

insidifyguru:

Something before now unheard of is coming to Nairaland. Celebrating Nigeria @ 54. Watch this space.

Because we are passionate about our dear country Nigeria, and in seeing Productivity and Success become synonymous with ALL Nigerians...watch this space on the 1st of October.

insidifyguru:

Because we are passionate about our dear country Nigeria, and in seeing Productivity and Success become synonymous with ALL Nigerians...watch this space on the 1st of October.

Good morning NL's. It can not be stressed enough. What we will be offering come October 1 in celebration of our dear country's independence is something to be expectant of and to watch out for. Watch this space.

insidifyguru:

Good morning NL's. It can not be stressed enough. What we will be offering come October 1 in celebration of our dear country's independence is something to be expectant of and to watch out for. Watch this space.

Thank God It's Friday! How do you intend on spending your weekend? Don't forget to watch this space from now till the 1st of October. You will not be disappointed.

insidifyguru:

Thank God It's Friday! How do you intend on spending your weekend? Don't forget to watch this space from now till the 1st of October. You will not be disappointed.

A very beautiful Saturday to you NL's. Have a fantastic weekend. #Insidify