How to use your networking to close new business?

An increasingly important tool in the current context of the job market, networking has been opening doors to considerably increase the chances of a good placement in the market, as well as carrying out new projects and the emergence of business opportunities.

It is about this powerful tool that we are going to talk about here. First, let's understand where the term networking comes from and its importance for personal and professional success.

Networking  indicates the ability to establish a network of contacts or a connection with something or someone. This contact network is a support system where services and information are shared between individuals or groups that have a common interest.

Networking  is nothing more than the ability to make and maintain solid professional contacts that are beneficial to both you and others. This is one of the most important channels for achieving professional success and has become increasingly important in the current context of the job market, that is, active and efficient networking can considerably increase your chances in the market.

The importance of staying close to your network of contacts

Do you usually keep close to your email list, professional cell phone contacts, social networks, LinkedIn? If not, it's time to review this and strengthen this relationship by increasing the frequency.

It is very important to think about this issue, because having contacts does not mean maintaining a good network. What's the use of exchanging personal cards and not strengthening solid relationships? If you don't stay active in your networking, it will hardly work when you need it.

So try to stay close to your network whenever possible. Call, interact on social networks, exchange emails, share. Just be careful not to create a hostile situation, not to force the friendship too much to the point of being too invasive. Use caution.

Below are some tips for you to further increase your networking, thinking about closing many more deals:

Tips for networking more assertively and closing more deals

1 – Get involved in events linked to your area

Always be present at events and courses related to your training area. The more you participate, the more chances of being known and recognized by other professionals you will have.

2 – Create links

The professional must also make an effort to keep his network up to date. Leave your discomfort aside and start going to fairs, courses and lectures. At these types of events, people are looking for this type of professional bond, and don't forget to bring business cards. This type of relationship takes time and cannot seem forced. In order for you to establish a bond with another person or professional, you have to have an emotional connection. Be careful not to treat her as a great friend because you only met her in two meetings.

3 – Have a personal card

Always have a personal card on hand. It is an instrument that facilitates the approach when meeting a new contact and makes you easily remembered. Your card must contain your full name, profession, telephone number and email.

4 – Keep your resume or portfolio updated

Remember to update your resume or portfolio frequently or whenever you add new knowledge — whether it's a change of job, position, career or even when taking new courses. This prevents you from wasting time when you need to send it to a contact in your networking network.

5 - Exchange ratio

Networking is a skill that is increasingly valued in the market and consists of a relationship between professionals. The contact you make through networking should not be used only when there is a need. The relationship must have a productive exchange. It is a double way path. Reaching out to your contacts only in times of need can leave a negative impression. The approach must be made naturally and confidently. The other person must know that they can also count on you in times when they need help.

6 – Have a LinkedIn account

Social networks have stood out as important information channels, with quick and instant reach. Therefore, if you want to maintain good networking, it is essential that you are also present in the digital environment, especially on LinkedIn , a powerful social network focused on the professional environment and which expands your network of contacts.

7 – Organize your contacts

To enhance your networking, it is very important that you know your network of contacts and know who is who when you need to request help from a professional, whether for a new job or a new project.

To do this, organize your contacts by category: separate them into friends, acquaintances, co-workers, event and workshop professionals, business, market, among others.

8 – Take care of your image and credibility

For the relationship between professionals to happen, it is necessary to convey credibility. This is shown by the person's posture, whether in the real or virtual world. Be very careful with the way you show yourself to others on social media. Being impartial is sometimes better for your networking.

9 – Be solicitous

Networking is not an exclusive activity for job seekers. If you are helpful and help colleagues whenever you can, these favors will come back to you when you need them.

10 – Be patient

If you meet an important contact again, be careful when talking to them. Be patient and polite and don't make your goals explicit at the beginning. Talk and when you feel safe, then say what you want. Always take advantage of opportunities, but at the right time!

It is important to understand that networking works as a two-way street, in which there must be an exchange of information, knowledge, recommendations, in a natural way, as this mutual help is what brings real benefits to professionals with a good network. of contacts.