They say it's not what you know, but who you know -- and this networking advice should help you make quality business connections. From Business Insider, the infographic 'How to Become a Master Networker' offers 11 tips on being better at networking.
Hosting your own informal happy hour is one way to help people you already know, while also meeting new contacts. Instead of going in with an elevator pitch or making it all about you, be open and genuinely care about people. Practical networking advice includes swapping business cards later after you have gotten to know a person first and if there is a real connection there. Quality over quantity applies here. It's also good to tell a story to be more memorable and diversity across industries.
What's Driving This Trend
- Quality Business Connections
- Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Develop new networking platforms that prioritize quality relationships rather than quantity.
- Informal Networking Events
- Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Create innovative platforms or services that facilitate informal networking events to foster genuine connections.
- Storytelling in Networking
- Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Develop tools or techniques that enhance storytelling in networking, making individuals more memorable and engaging.
Who This Affects Most
- Networking Platforms
- Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Build networking platforms that incorporate advanced algorithms to match individuals based on compatibility and shared interests.
- Event Management
- Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Develop event management software that focuses on facilitating informal networking events, optimizing attendee experiences.
- Communication and Presentation Tools
- Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Create new communication and presentation tools that empower individuals to tell compelling stories and make impactful connections during networking events.
