How to Become a Professional Networker

To many of us in the business world, networking is common sense. Exchange a business card here, attend a happy hour there. But do you think to network even when you’re at the grocery store or the gym? Do you follow up with your newly formed relationships after the business card exchange has taken place? Melvin Murphy, author of It’s Who You Know! Creating Alliances and Partnerships through Networking!, shows how networking is a valuable but calculated process. In this article, Murphy provides pointers for those who want to excel at the art of networking to improve the bottom line.

Networking is a strategic part of doing business and is more than just receiving a business card at happy hour. Networking is about consistently developing and managing your relationships in and outside the work place. For years, I have taught people that the key to managing any worthy business relationship is to be proactive. Taking action to make things happen keeps business relationships growing. Here are some suggestions to help you become a professional networker:

• Keep your name in front of people. In this fast-paced, electronic-driven world, it is almost guaranteed people will forget your name. Find a public relations vehicle that will keep you and your service constantly on their mind.
• Follow-up with contacts. There is nothing worse than taking the time and effort to call or send an email to someone and then not getting a response. A simple e-mail, voice message or handwritten note will positively influence your reputation and the opportunities you receive.
• Practice the art of reciprocity. You know the old saying, “you get what you give.” If you are connecting people and making introductions without expecting anything in return, you will eventually benefit from your generosity. Help others because you have the power to do so.
• Be ethical in your dealings. The fastest thing that can ruin your reputation and destroy relationships is being unethical. When referring someone, make sure you really know that person.Practice good listening skills. How do you listen? Some people listen emotionally. Some may hear you talking, but not listen to what is being said. When networking, pay attention to the person in front of you, take notes if you have to, and show eye contact.
• Always be genuine—and modest. If you or your company is highly successful, there is no need to brag or boast about it.
• Make gratitude a part of your attitude. The words “thank you” and “please” go along way when used accordingly. People like to do business with respectful people, and they like to refer people who will not embarrass them.
• Constantly network. Business networking is about making long-lasting friendships. Learn to make networking a natural part of your life. Professional networkers never take a day off. They can spot an opportunity where one exists, and they create an opportunity when one is not obvious.
• Always have a positive attitude. If you had a long day at work or received terrible news, don’t go to an event with a bad attitude. You may not think people can recognize it, but they can, and that could cost you possible business opportunities. People have long memories when their experience isn’t positive.
• Be self-aware. Business networking is an organic process, formed and reshaped depending on who you meet and the relationship you want to build. Know your limits of what you can offer and what you will accept from others.
• Finally, Make yourself available. What location or event will achieve the highest level of exposure? Keep up-to-date on conferences and seminars that will make you more valuable in your field of work. These types of events can only advance you in your career and are the perfect place to make new contacts.

Melvin Murphy is the author of “It’s Who You Know! Creating Alliances and Partnerships through Networking!” He can be reached at MMurphy833@aol.com.

Thousands of companies have chosen Fairfax County, Virginia, located minutes from Washington, D.C., as the best place to position their business.  Fairfax County, which the U.S. Department of Labor described as the private-sector job leader in the Washington area, is home to seven Fortune 500 companies, 5,400 IT companies and more than 360 foreign-owned firms.

A U.S. Department of Labor study called Fairfax County the private-sector job leader in the Washington area, and a Time magazine columnist described Fairfax County as "one of the great economic success stories of our time."  With a talent pool like that, you know your options will never run dry. Fairfax County also features a quality of life that's hard to beat, with a top-ranked public school system, excellent public services, innovative George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College, and access to Washington’s historical and cultural activities. 

To find out what Fairfax County can do for you and your business, contact the award-winning Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. It has experts to guide you as you plan for your business– at no charge.  Call 703-790-0600 or check out www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org.