Networking Skills Every Business Owner Should Cultivate
Networking Skills Every Business Owner Should Cultivate
The adage “It’s all about whom you know” still holds true, even in the technology-driven 21st century. There is real value and potency in the ability to build rapport and healthy relationships through networking. Entrepreneurs in every industry benefit from cultivating excellent networking skills.
Networking is essential in business development, sales, customer care, and a host of other areas. Networking skills are the various competencies required to develop and maintain business or social relationships.
Networking skills to cultivate
Networking skills are rooted in fostering authentic connections when you speak to people. Here are five networking skills every business owner should develop:
- Be an active listener: Active listening involves listening to what the other person is saying so you can ask the right follow-up questions to move the conversation forward. Active listening focuses on understanding what someone is saying instead of thinking about how you will respond. It involves making eye contact, nodding your head to indicate you understand them, and responding appropriately to what they tell you.
- Develop good communication skills: Both written and verbal communication skills are essential in every business area, but especially for effective networking. It is critical to be able to communicate the right information clearly and accurately in a positive, helpful way. Take the time to develop good writing skills. Practice communicating with a variety of people, so you become comfortable speaking with just about anyone.
- Focus: This might seem like an unusual networking skill. The world is full of distractions and things demanding your attention. I am sure you have experienced the frustration of speaking with someone who is not making eye contact, looking at their phone, or interrupting you as you talk. By maintaining focus on the person in front of you, you are separating yourself from the pack and improving your ability to develop healthy relationships. (Don’t worry, those texts and phone alerts will still be there after the conversation is over.)
- Public speaking: Not every business owner needs to make speeches in front of large audiences, but you might find yourself talking to a small group of people at a networking event or need to present critical information to your staff. Even if you are only speaking with one individual, public speaking skills give you confidence and improves your overall effectiveness.
- Empathy and positivity: Empathy is essential in helping you relate to people and understand their emotions and experiences. Empathetic people help others feel understood and valued. And everyone prefers being around positive, friendly people. So, foster a positive attitude to help develop a strong, authentic rapport with others.
There are many other networking and interpersonal skills that will help you develop strong business relationships and grow your company. Cultivating these skills will allow you to stand out and attract others to yourself in every area of life.
Works Cited
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/networking-skills-on-resume
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/301087
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/245995
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Jen Jordan brings a wealth of life and leadership experiences to her writing. After 10 years creating a variety of content for a nonprofit, Jen decided to establish her own writing business. She specializes in creating high quality blog and website content for small businesses. When she's not writing, Jen is a competitive triathlete with a goal of completing a triathlon in all 50 states.