Comment pouvez-vous réseauter professionnellement dans des contextes sociaux?

Just as diversification is crucial in finance, approach networking with a strategic mindset. Identify the events and gatherings most aligned with your goals and expertise. Seek out industry conferences, seminars, and social gatherings that attract professionals eager to exchange insights and build collaborations. Your presence at the right places will set the stage for impactful interactions.

Networking can be taken in different forms. Do some research up front to understand whom at the event you'd like to meet, what setting they prefer, reach out to let them know you'd like to meet at a place with their preferred setting ahead of time. Write a follow up note as a token of appreciation.

Networking penalises introverts. And many of us are. That's why more should be done to make them "introvert-friendly". I've certainly done that. For both online and in-person networking. Do that and you introduce a whole new tranche of people to enrich the networking experience for all. All you have to do is tweak the formats. Introverts don't like to tackle a crowd at the bar. Pair people up for 1-2-1 chats on arrival for example. Online, create 1-2-1 opportunities in Zoom-type settings. Create a structure the introvert knows about in advance. If they know what's expected and can cope with that (hint: make it as simple as possible), then you'll get more of then involved.

Be Genuine: Maintain authenticity when interacting with others. Active Listening: "Listening is an essential skill in networking." "Your elevator pitch should be tailored to your audience. Offer Value: Think about what you can bring to the table. Expert Insight: "Networking isn't just about taking, but also about giving. Maintain open and approachable body language. After an event, send personalized follow-up messages to your new connections. "The real networking often begins after the event." Attend Relevant Events: Choose events aligned with your industry or interests. "Be strategic about the events you attend." Practice Empathy: Put yourself in others' shoes. Expert Insight: "Empathy fosters strong connections."

As an ambivert (on the line between introvert and extrovert), I’ve discovered that my favorite networking events are educational programs that feature a speaker, panel discussion or a film, followed by a reception afterward. It’s easy to start a conversation related to something you just experienced voluntarily. And chances are the other individuals there are also interested in the topic. They may have different reactions to the experience. Regardless, you can have a number of enjoyable and meaningful conversations in a short time. The connections you make there are more natural to continue after the event.

Focusing on value creation is paramount in any setting. Apply the same principle to networking. Initiate conversations by discussing industry trends, sharing relevant insights, and offering solutions to common challenges. Demonstrating your expertise naturally positions you as a valuable resource, making others more inclined to connect and collaborate with you.

Do not have short-term goals, do not try to sell, do not bore your listeners. Rather, focus on preparing for the long-term. You want to open doors, not close them forever. So try to listen more than you talk and, when you do, make an impact. And remember: Everything is better when we feel comfortable and have a good time. So... have fun!

Being prepared and intentional is critical. As you research on your intended audience, it is also important to understand what value you can offer to them. Asking questions and getting to know them are more welcome than seeking for assistance during the first meeting. Given them a reason for a follow up call or meeting to allow more opportunities to network. You can invite them to an event where you will speak and extend a guest pass, assuming that topic is highly relevant.

In most cases it's best to not hesitate and just break the ice. During one of my favorite networking experiences, seeing a huge lineup of attendees taking pictures backstage, i also joined and had a chat with the billionaire Naveen Jain (CEO of Infospace). In the end i took a picture with him, our small chat led to him asking me to join the product launch booth, and also get to know about his new product. - In another Technology event, I was able to have a chat with a famous personality who has written a great book on sales , and also sn ex-FBI negotiator. I simply got his contact number by asking. In conclusion, always prepare, but be ready to be spontaneous as some of the best opportunities and experiences can pass by in seconds.

Being genuine and respectful means taking the time to understand your audience, what matters to them and make your interaction meaningful, relevant and timely. For example, you should not tag people on every social post unless it's a topic they care about.

When you learn that someone you see socially has a professional connection, don't be afraid to speak up and highlight the common professional tie. Doing so can build your social relationship while also opening the door for professional networking and business development opportunities.

To many people go to networking events with the attitude of "Who can I sell to" If you change that to "Who can I help" and genuinely want to help people then you will build relationships. That in turn will help you build a solid connection with people who are happy to recommend your services and could well lead to collaborating on mutually beneficial projects

Since networking can take place anytime and anywhere, authentically showing interest and curiosity about people in any setting allows you to create meaningful connections. Actively listen to others and show empathy will go a long way in showing people you truly care about them- helping you create real experiences not deal relationships!

Being genuine and respectful means knowing your own values and being confident in yourself. When you are genuine it's the light that always shines and the force that pushes away the negativity.

In my experience, just as financial investments require monitoring, consistent follow-up is crucial in networking. After making a connection, promptly follow up with a personalized message referencing your conversation. Share additional insights, resources, or opportunities that align with your prior discussion. This shows your commitment to the relationship and reinforces your dedication to mutual growth.

Less is more when it comes to effective networking. I invest most of my time in 1-2 people at a time. Focus on getting to know each other during the event, exchange contact information (i.e. LinkedIn), set up a time to reconnect post event. Share relevant insights from time to time and check in on a regular basis.

First and foremost, the best idea for following up with networking leads is to simply call them and ask to meet up for coffee or lunch. Not to ignore connecting on social media, however, tried and tested formula is the good old-school way of talking to them, as that can be the best way of reminding them of previous interaction. Most of the times, department heads and decision-makers are extremely busy people. So before that email goes in the junk, simple pickup that phone and call!

Connect, Don't Collect. When it comes to intentional networking, it's about quality over quantity. Focus on building genuine connections rather than amassing contacts. Take the time to understand individuals' aspirations, challenges, and strengths. By nurturing authentic relationships, you lay the foundation for collaborations that yield mutual benefits.

Connecting like minded individuals through personal introductions can be a great way to add value to your network of contacts. People appreciate the opportunity to collaborate and will appreciate your time and thoughtfulness.

Genuine connections are the foundation for network expansion. The best way of expanding your social media network is through effective content sharing. You can tailor your insights based on your intended network. The more value you create and share with your network, the more connections you will make.

Networking in social settings requires consistency. You can set up a personal goal and benchmark your starting point. I select a personal Board of Director (2-3 people) each year to provide constructive feedback and help me grow. The more efforts you put in, the more positive outcome will be generated. Stay purposeful, patient and persistent.

Exactly right. It’s not just showing up, it’s the intentionality of meeting, listening, asking, sharing. This does take practice.

A mistake that many make when it comes to networking, is focusing on quantity of interactions rather than the quality. When going to an event, focus on being completely present in conversations and be interested in the other person rather than trying to be interesting. Ask thoughtful questions and listen intently rather than thinking about what you’re going to say next. Don’t be looking around the room for the next opportunity. A great book that I’ve found helpful is ‘Control the Conversation’.

Always be prepared for a networking opportunity. Case in point: My first client came when I was dropping my kids off for sleep away camp. I had just left my job to start freelance marketing and a ran into an old friend at drop off. He mentioned needing help with one of his clients and within the week, I was working with him. You never know where someone can open a door for you so be open to the opportunities when they arise.

Networking opportunities can present iself in all types of situations. It can happen on the bus, when you're out and about with the family or on a night out. The most important thing is to become friendly, get to know people and what they are into, you never know what will happen next. People come into our lives for a reason right?

Be genuinely interested in the other person. There is an old saying, “Seek first to understand, and then to be understood.” In addition, the initial question is about networking in a social setting, so see if you have any common personal interests to build rapport. And remember opportunities may reveal themselves, not with the person your chatting to, but who they know. I once started chatting to a guy in an airport security queue about the make of his travel bag, as it looked really good. To cut a long story short, our chat ended up with him introducing me to a friend, who booked me to speak at an international conference.

Be inquisitive.....show a genuine interest in others and networking not only becomes easier, but more enjoyable too.... If you ask a question, really listen to the other person's response. They will notice the difference between someone that is really with them in the moment and someone that is just 'networking by numbers'.....being authentic is so important.

To make networking effective, here are a few must have’s and must do’s 1. Network with an end goal in mind. If that goal is to make new connections, then do that. However, if that goal is to collect Leeds then do that. 2. Network where your ideal clients are I’m not just every event that’s available. 3. Ask about them. Be interested in them. Also you can support them. People will tell you what they need or what you should sell them if you are interested in them. My acronym for ASK is - Always - Seek - Knowledge 4. Have a plan on when you’re going to follow up because if you don’t networking is a waste of time. 5. If possible find out about the audience before you go to that networking event, so you are armed to follow up correctly.