Have you ever been in a room full of women at a conferences or networking event wondering how exactly you can make headway, interact and build meaningful relationships? While it may seem that everyone is unapproachable, chances are that you come across the exact same way.
Building and growing meaningful relationships is crucial for our growth. Some research carried out by the Carnegie Institute of Technology shows that only 15% of one’s success is based on technical skills, while 85% is due to the ability to connect.
At GAIA AFRICA, we know the importance of building meaningful relationships. So important is this topic that we invited Someer Somal, (CEO Digital Transformation at Blue Ocean Global Technology and Co-Founder of Girl Power Talk) to speak at our special Gazelle series and he shared some insightful tips on the psychology of networking which we have termed “The 10 commandments of Networking” according to Sameer Somal.
- Make Your Time Online Count: Due to the internet of things, people are spending more time online. Statistics show that people spend an average of 24hrs a week online. Whether it is on social media, websites, blogs, chat sites: if you are online that long, you might as well make it count. Build meaningful relationships on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Make those long hours count.
- Invest in your Online Reputation: “Identity will be the future and it will exist primarily online” Eric Schmidt Google. Before meeting someone you wish to establish a relationship with, you would have done a google search to learn about him/her. This is the same way other people check you out online, so be sure that over time, you curate a digital presence that is reflective of who you are. You can build your online presence on social media sites, your website, blogs, forums, interviews, guest blogging, and podcasts to mention a few.
- Practice Your Elevator Pitch: Your elevator pitch is a 60 second summary of who you are and what you represent. You will need a great pitch to make a lasting impression so be sure to practice. For example Somaal says “I am a purposeful human being with a relentless work ethic. I believe in diversity and I am a lifelong learner” Who can forget that?
- Be Prepared: Be deliberate about building good relationships. The right mindset is the first step. You have an event? Schedule an appointment with yourself a few days to the event to prepare. Research the event organizers, speakers. Prepare relevant and thoughtful questions that relate to the event, current news or industry trends. Rehearse your elevator pitch. This will definitely give you an edge.
- One First Impression, Make it Count: Now you are at the event and truth be told within a few seconds of meeting, people subconsciously make inferences, assumptions and judgements. Make sure they are forming the right ones; positive body language is essential, maintain frequent eye contact, positive facial expression and posture. Try to keep your hands by your sides. This looks so much better in pictures!
- Be Proactive: Networking requires going beyond your comfort zone and challenging yourself. Do not stick with familiar faces at events. Take the bold step, approach new faces. That’s the entire purpose of networking after all.
- Quality over Quantity: “Relationship” is not a game of numbers. The last time you attended an event, you probably went round the room picking up cards from anyone who had one to offer. How many of those people did you eventually follow up with? Focus on connecting and building lifelong relationships – even if it is with just one person.
- Be a Giver: Approach networking not with the thought “how can this relationship benefit me” but ask yourself “what value can I offer this person in this relationship” People love to hang around those who offer them value. Find out what a connection wishes to accomplish and find ways to assist them. You can volunteer for their next project, offer tips to improve their digital presence and so on. There are endless ways to add value.
- Strategic Follow Up: To be honest, this is where the real impact lies & where most people fail. Be thoughtful and tactful in following up with a contact. Whether it is through social media, email, text or by handwritten notes, be sure to keep it thoughtful. Invest time to craft a specific message that is unique to each person and never give the impression that you are desperate to connect.
- Patience is Key: Building purposeful long-term relationships take time and patience. Follow through with your connection and give them time. Some people are genuinely busy and must prioritize. Be tactful, thoughtful, persistent and patient.
