Step 4: Building a human connection
The first three steps are concerned with the planning phase of networking, but the real networking begins at this step. Building a human connection is very important for effective networking. Human connection enhances trust, confidence, knowledge and motivation. Successful networking means finding the right people who have joint interests and objectives and are willing to cooperate. Networking does not necessarily mean competing and winning but it is about helping others too.
At this stage, people need to connect or meet others either face-to-face or virtually depending on the situation and necessity. Human connection may be built through joining different events for example attending workshops, conferences, dinners and going to movies. It is important to very carefully take into account a couple of things during face-to-face meetings, such as introducing, asking insightful but specific questions, listening to others, knowing each other’s common interests, being directive but not forceful and paying attention to time.
In addition, it is also important to strengthen virtual communication through email, phone calls, chatting and joining other social media for example Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. It is also important to keep in mind the time of phone calls and texts and language used in social media. At the same time, it is good to share your contacts with others to create mutual connections.
At this stage, people need to connect or meet others either face-to-face or virtually depending on the situation and necessity. Human connection may be built through joining different events for example attending workshops, conferences, dinners and going to movies. It is important to very carefully take into account a couple of things during face-to-face meetings, such as introducing, asking insightful but specific questions, listening to others, knowing each other’s common interests, being directive but not forceful and paying attention to time.
In addition, it is also important to strengthen virtual communication through email, phone calls, chatting and joining other social media for example Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. It is also important to keep in mind the time of phone calls and texts and language used in social media. At the same time, it is good to share your contacts with others to create mutual connections.
Tools
Links to the tools
- Tool 1 - Theoretical approach to online interaction:
- Tool 2 - How to develop a social media strategy for your career
- Tool 3 - Cold call
- Tool 7 - LinkedIn: from beginner to all-star in 9 easy steps
- Tool 8 - 5 ways to use social media for career development
If you want to download the slides to your computer or print them, click the file below.
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