Take 10 minutes before the event to see who’s attending, understand what matters to them, and prep 3 thoughtful questions that spark meaningful conversations.
2. Practice Going First
Be the first one to break the ice. Show initiative and confidence—e.g., “Hi, I’m Ben.”
3. Use Non-Verbal Communication
Get the fundamentals right. Stand up straight, make eye contact, smile, and give a firm handshake.
4. Ask Rapport-Building Questions
The best networkers ask the best questions: “What are you excited about these days?” This is so powerful, yet overlooked.
5. Use the SHR Method
Make the person you’re speaking with feel these 3 things:
Seen (specific compliment),
Heard (ask good questions), and
Remembered (recall details).
6. Remember Names
As Dale Carnegie says, “A person’s name is to that person, the sweetest, most important sound in any language.”
Write it down when you hear it.
This will help you remember it and differentiate yourself.
7. Be a Power Connector
Structure your network in three rings: Power 25 (inner circle), Key 150 (middle circle), and Outer 250. Focus on the Power 25 while touching base with others.
8. Follow-Up
Within 24 hours, send a personalized note referencing specific conversation points. You’ll stand out from 99% of people.
9. Build Valuable Skills
Learn skills others value, then freely share that knowledge.
Give first without expectation.
—
I’ll leave you with this African Proverb:
“If you want to go fast, go alone,
If you want to go far, go together.”
9 ways to grow your networking:
1. Do Your Homework
Take 10 minutes before the event to see who’s attending, understand what matters to them, and prep 3 thoughtful questions that spark meaningful conversations.
2. Practice Going First
Be the first one to break the ice. Show initiative and confidence—e.g., “Hi, I’m Ben.”
3. Use Non-Verbal Communication
Get the fundamentals right. Stand up straight, make eye contact, smile, and give a firm handshake.
4. Ask Rapport-Building Questions
The best networkers ask the best questions: “What are you excited about these days?” This is so powerful, yet overlooked.
5. Use the SHR Method
Make the person you’re speaking with feel these 3 things: