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Networking Skills

Networking skills—like communication, active listening and social skills—are extremely valuable to have in both professional and personal environments and are particularly coveted by employers, as all successful businesses depend on networking. Networking skills are the competencies you need to have to maintain professional or social contacts. Networking is a critical skill in sales, business development and many other industries. Networking skills are necessary to make and develop relationships with new contacts and promote something of value.

Good networking skills include:

  • Communication
  • Active listening
  • Social skills
  • Public speaking skills
  • Nonverbal communication
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Empathy
  • Positivity
  • Humour
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Signal Likeability

Research in the field of behavioural studies and communication have affirmed that we are wired to like people who like us. However, often Signal Amplification Bias occurs as we think our social cues are obvious, but they’re not. Have you ever asked someone to go and speak to another person on your behalf because you “thought” that they didn’t like you? This occurs because the person signalling for likeability was not clear or not signalled at all. Also, research has shown that we are so afraid of rejection that we will not signal others that we like them.

Try signalling likeability in the following was:

  • Smile
  • Wave
  • Eye Contact
  • Open body language
  • Open Palms

Like More People

If you like more people, more people will like you. Why? Because there is no fear of social rejection.

Use the Similarity Effect

Research affirmed that we like people who are like us. We are attracted to people who have similar values, beliefs, ideas, thinking processes, looks and interests than us. Therefore, when you are having a conversation with someone else, make sure to find and highlight your similarities.

BE AUTHENTIC

Yes, we want you to highlight your similarities in a conversation, but make sure that they are REAL similarities. Be yourself. It is okay to be a little different and to have your own opinions, likes and dislikes. Illustrating your differences in a diplomatic and positive way enhances your transparency, authenticity and builds trust between you and the other person.

Use a Future Mention

Have you ever been in a conversation that was nearing its dreadful end and neither of you know how to change the topic or end the conversation, so you just marinade in that awkward silence? Well, there is a remedy for that, and it’s called a future mention; whenever you want to end the conversation, mention something that you have spoken about that still needs to happen e.g. “Good luck with your presentation next week. I know that you are going to be great. Let me know how it went. Goodbye” or “Enjoy the workshop tomorrow. I hope it’s insightful. See you”.

Be Relatable

Nobody is perfect, so do not try to be. Effective relationships depend on how relatable the other person is. Do not be afraid to show some form of your insecurities, weaknesses or failures, because we all have them. Your insecurities can be used as a bonding tool as we are all equally insecure – even your boss.

Never be a Conversation Narcissist

Charismatic people focus on how they can ask the most interesting questions. You need to approach every networking situation with “How can I get this person to tell me their entire story”.

Gush, do not Gossip

The Behavioural Research Company called ‘The Science of People’, have affirmed that there is something called the Spontaneous Trait Transfer. This suggests that when you speak ill of someone else, others cannot help but to transfer those traits onto your persona as well. Likewise: If you gush about someone else, those positive traits get transferred to you.

Use positive Nonverbal Communication

Various research in the field of neurobiology and psychology has affirmed that human beings are more dependent on nonverbal cues than verbal cues in order to effectively express and communicate meaning and emotion.

Look for Conversational Sparks

Charismatic people are constantly looking for conversational sparks, which refers to highlighting personal similarities and stimulating interest and curiosity. This is illustrated by a nonverbal cue of raising the eyebrow to go “wow”, “that’s interesting”, “oh, I didn’t know that” and “really, no way”. Establishing and looking for conversational sparks will ensure that you become memorable and interesting to listen too. NOTE: Do not be a know-it-all (conversational narcissist). Make sure that you provide the other person with an opportunity to share their “interesting stories” and also raise the occasional eyebrow.

The embodiment of these elements will not only enhance your negotiation, networking and communicative impact power, but also enable you to build positive rapport and shape definite relationships with clients, co-workers, team members and people from different environments, conferences, meetings, industry events or seminars.

Networking Skills Self Assessment

Take the self-assessment now to determine your strengths and areas for development.

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Networking Skills

Having an established network comprises various benefits such as exchanging knowledge, ideas, resources and information. Therefore, establishing good relationships with a wide variety of people from different environments, conferences, meetings, industry events or seminars are imperative to building an inventory of knowledge and associates. However, meeting new people can be nerve-wrecking and uncomfortable. Coaching in this area will focus on refining your social skills to keep the conversational ball rolling in difficult social settings.

Name(Required)
Do you find it difficult to start or have a conversation with unfamiliar people?(Required)
Do you find it difficult to start or have a conversation with an influential person (boss, supervisor, General Manager, CEO)?(Required)
Do you find it difficult to express your ideas or to “find the right words” in a conversation with someone unfamiliar?(Required)
Do you care what others think of you?(Required)
Do you find it difficult to recognise how others feel or what others are thinking in a conversation?(Required)
Do you find it uncomfortable when someone compliments you?(Required)
Do you find it difficult to disagree with someone because you are afraid that it will make them angry or dislike you?(Required)
Do you find it difficult to compliment others?(Required)
Do you find it difficult to express how you really feel about a topic?(Required)
Do you avoid or change the topic when someone is expressing their feelings?(Required)
Is it difficult for you to apologise to someone during a conversation?(Required)
Do you feel uncomfortable in a conversation when someone disagrees with you on a subject?(Required)
Do you find it difficult to end conversations?(Required)
Do you find it difficult to keep the conversational flow?(Required)
In a conversation, do you find it difficult to put yourself in the other person’s shoes?(Required)
Do you remember the personal details of the other person after the conversation?(Required)
No, thank you. I do not want.
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