5 Unconventional Networking Tips for Startups

With more and more people beginning new businesses, networking is more vital than ever. But this situation has an issue. So what are some vital things about “Networking Rights”, which startups could and should target on?

1. Make a game plan

For entrepreneurs, free time is an extraordinary commodity. In order to make the most of your effort and time, begin by devising a plan. Figure out what links needs to be made to take your business to the next stage. Perhaps an industry-targeted conference will meet your networking needs, or maybe a monthly networking event for little business owners is more your style – whatever you plan, make time to commit to the events by blocking out time on your calendar.

2. You are the product

No matter what service or product you offer, no matter how remarkable it is or even how dull it maybe, forever remember that people first buy people and then what they sell.

The worth of this just can be overstated. In networking globe, the most sold product is people which is you. Almost every day, I view people discussing about their services/products, making every effort to encourage people of what they have is remarkable, putting little effort to target on them.

3. Focus on quality over quantity

You have probably seen the people that run around having 1 to 2 minute talks with everyone just so they can get business cards for their email database – don’t be this person. With networking, standard links far outweigh piles of business cards for people you will never speak to again.

4. First impression matters

Show yourself with confidence as you discuss with others, but remember to yourself (a network event is not the time to tire someone with fifteen minute elevator speech about your firm). Talk should flow naturally, as if you were discussing with an old friend. Bear in mind that perfect networks do just as much listening as they do discussing. You don’t want the person you are talking with to obtain the impression you are just there for your advantage.

5. It’s both – offline and online!

There is a rising trend, where people think “online”, the moment there is discussion of networking. While internet networking compliments the offline networking quite well, it is in no way an alternate for it.

Actually, your networking is incomplete if you are not building offline networks. It is the most vital that you are intentionally and actively meeting people offline as well.

CA Hemant Gupta
hemant@neusourceindia.com

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