7 Networking Etiquette You Need To Start Practicing Now

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Whether it’s about getting a job or doing business, many people will tell you that in Kenya, your success is all about networks. People will hire people they know and do business with people they know, because they trust them

Networking is therefore a great deal especially in job search or business and it sure has landed a lot of people deals which they wouldn’t have got if they just sat at home and applied for jobs.

In one way or another you have gotten a chance to socialize with people, whether it’s in large gatherings or a one-to-one meeting in a coffee house. May be in church gatherings, weddings, networking events, cocktails etc

Whichever case you’re involved in, think about all of your mannerisms before you head out to network with high profile clients and other accomplished superiors of your field at cocktail parties, dinners, and coffee meetings.

How do you build your etiquette?

According to an article on Careerlism, here is a quick list of everything you need to know about networking etiquette:

1. Watch What You Wear

The way you dress and the style you display is nothing but an extension of your own personality. And your dressing sense says a lot about you. It defines your thinking and mindset, how much pride you take in being who you are, and your personal mantra. Your clothes and accessories express your way of working and managing things as well as your moods. So, pay heed towards what you are putting on your back.

2. Carry Your Identity Always

Yes, this is what your business cards are for! When you have been invited to a social gathering or you happen to catch up with someone at Starbucks, make sure you are carrying your business cards with you. Keep them in proper card case so that they remain crisp and tidy. Make sure that your business card has of your updated information.

3. Encourage Handshaking

This is sure shot way to establish warmth in a professional meeting. No, it does not mean that you need to become overly personal; it’s simply a confident and friendly handshake to the person you are meeting with. This displays your confidence level and that you are pleased to be in his or her company.

4. Avoid Seclusion

Avoid isolated and introverted behavior, especially on the occasions of parties and cocktail dinners. Try to give off an approachable and gregarious demeanor and, if possible, give a handsome display of your sense of humor. This is the most certain way to draw people’s attention towards you, even in the midst of a thick crowd. Being overly shy or giving off a stand-offish vibe will only alienate people from you, which could prove to be counterproductive for your work and reputation.

5. Stay Updated On Current Affairs

Always have a couple of current happenings and hot burnishing topics ready on your finger tips whenever you plan to see someone in a group or alone, especially if it is your first meeting with the person or group. During a first meeting, people usually don’t have anything to talk about apart from business. Current affairs is a great topic for most occasions.

6. Stick To Basic Manners

What you learned as a child still holds the same level of significance even today. This simply means that you do not forget to use the good old PLEASE and THANK YOU! It always adds a soft touch and makes the interaction much pleasing.

7. Establish friendship With Professionalism

Be communicative and hold witty conversations with people while networking. Also be an attentive listener. Maintain eye contact whenever someone is talking to you and back up your interaction with a smile. However, do not start sharing personal details about your recent break up or the habits of your pet cat! Also, be light hearted and stay detached from drama by being sporting for tongue in cheek humor.

8. Avoid Distractions

Nothing seems to be more irreverent and annoying than sitting with a person who is more interested in his phone, tablet, or any other engagement than the meeting itself. So, take care of this etiquette specifically. Turn off your mobile phone while conversing (or at least put it on silent mode).

The post 7 Networking Etiquette You Need To Start Practicing Now appeared first on Career Point Kenya.Click on the TITLE link for the original.