One of the most influential and efficient ways to raise your profile in the business world is through networking. However, networking will only help you if done strategically. As with most things, there are certain do’s and don’ts when it comes to networking. Here are our top 7 networking tips for women in business should know:
1. A networking tips for women is to Dress appropriately
[tweet_quote hashtags=”#networkingtips” ]Make sure you are wearing the right outfit[/tweet_quote] for the right event; you definitely can’t turn up to a breakfast event in a cocktail dress. Yes, it is good to stand out — and you need to in order to be successful in business — but you don’t want to be standing out for the wrong reasons. Make sure that people are thinking about what you are saying and not about what you are wearing.2. Don’t avoid men a Networking tips for women
Many women have a tendency to go to functions that only other women will attend, which limits the benefits of networking. You need to think strategically and ask yourself ‘Why am I going?’ … the answer should be ‘to make as many valuable connections as possible to further my success’. And the best way to do so is with women AND men.
3. Events are for business, not for friendship
When at a business event you need to make sure you are [tweet_quote hashtags=”#networkingtips #businesswoman” ]remaining as professional as you possibly can[/tweet_quote]. If you are having a conversation with someone, make sure it is about business. You can reveal your personality and interests in ways that enhance your branding, but DON’T descend into superficiality or emotion. You are there for business first and friendship second (if at all).
4. Connect beforehand
Something you should do before every event is research any guest speakers and connect with them on sites such as Twitter and LinkedIn. This will allow you to approach them once you’re at the event, and let you build valuable connections.
5. Don’t stay too long
It is better to leave earlier than stay too late. If you are the last person to leave, you run the risk of appearing as though you have nothing better to do.
6. Treat everyone the same as what suggests in Networking tips for women
This is a BIG one. Make sure you aren’t intimidated by high-powered people and be sure to treat those with small businesses the same as those with large ones. Apart from it being simply good business manners, in the future their tiny startup could be the ‘next big thing’ — and you don’t want to miss out on an opportunity on working with them because of your earlier attitude.
7. Don’t eat or drink at an event
US Vogue editor Anna Wintour never eats or drinks at any of the events she attends. This may seem a bit odd but when you think about it, it makes sense. [tweet_quote hashtags=”#networkingtips” ]When at a business event, it’s smart to not eat or drink[/tweet_quote] simply because you always run the risk of getting food on your mouth or spilling something on yourself. In addition, talking while eating is a difficult trick to pull off with poise. Also, it’s smart to not drink alcohol at events. No matter how confident you think you are when you’re drinking, you’re actually not. Alcohol undermines your judgement after even one drink, and after a few you will seem unprofessional — or even obnoxious. Another benefit to not drinking at an event is that you get to see what people are really like, and whom you would want to work with.
These are far from being the only networking tips for women that can help you, but they are the most valuable ones. And if you don’t follow them, don’t expect to be taken seriously or get the optimum value from networking.
