The way I see it, human beings are designed to be a part of communities. Everyone loves to be a part of a tribe. Connection and relationships are the basis of why we thrive. Starting from the time we are children, think of it, we need people around us, be it to talk common interests, be it for validation, be it for ideating, be it for debating, be it for just having a bond.
Networking is an amalgamation of art and science, though more than that it is the connect we build to sustain. Twenty years back there was not social media and not much of the internet as we have it today. But we were thriving anyway. Let’s take a closer look at what seems to have changed but hasn’t much. The offline networking according to me has not changed, though what has changed is the online technology that acts as a catalyst to make it better. The way events are produced today, from having a networking app on mobile so that you can pre-connect and book meetings at the event prior to even meeting, having QR codes to scan relevant information, interactive walls at the event and more such things that have made this ecosystem better.
Here are 5 simple strategies for successful networking with respect to both online and offline, that have worked wonderfully for me –
Understanding the format of the networking
In case of an event or webinar, or metaverse event, it is important to understand how the event is structured, what is the theme of the event, what are the kind of people expected to attend, participate. This will help in channelising energies in bringing in deeper context while making a connect with people as the broader context will help building the conversation and drawing relevant tangents.
Avoiding expectations at first go
When at an event, be it online or offline, try not having an agenda in the first place, unless you have been invited only with a mandatory agenda to follow (which usually is not the case). The moment you have a specific agenda to talk, it acts against breaking the ice and takes away the human element of connect, which is essential at the first meeting. If you know that person very well and keep on bumping in at events then it is a different story. If there is a specific business-related discussion, then you have to get a feeler of few things –
-is the other person interested in standing/sitting with you at that impromptu moment for 10 to 15 mins? If yes, then build on the context rather than directly jumping into business.
-Understand the aura of the person, in terms of why he/she would care to know you unless you create interest or can state something in a way during your introduction; for example- “Hi, my name is John Smith and I help build sustainable marketing for brands with the objective of bringing a value that is distinct. I work with (company name). If you have few minutes, I’d love to know about you and your work, look at synergies and maybe we could schedule a longer meeting post this event. I’d love to stay connected”. This is not a script but something that we get better at, with practice.
Having no expectations gives a lot of genuine comfort to the other person that you are not there to just focus on selling something but interested authentically in connecting.
Energise
Ensure to leave the person more energised after meeting you. Be it online or offline. This is something that starts with the way we greet the person. For effective and genuine networking, it is important to come across as positive energy with authenticity so that we leave the conversation with the other person being more energised than before. This helps in the longer run when we think of a deeper business relationship.
Changing 2 hats during a conversation
If a conversation is going on for a longer duration, we may need to keep changing our hats according to where the conversation is going. Succeeding in networking becomes easier if we stay relevant to the conversation and share our points of view with respect to that conversation to evolve and not dissolve. Hence, the genuine interest must reflect in the way we network and not just because I need to collect visiting cards. During conversations, take a moment to crisply explain what you do and why you do what you do. People love to hear the reason behind initiatives first. The interest in ‘how’ follows once the interest is built.
Effective Listening
This is perhaps the pedestal on which networking rests. Simply put, do not be in a rush to speak too many things at one go. Have a crisp and exciting introduction ready that captures a little bit about you and the essence of ‘what do you solve’ as an organisation (incase you work in a company). Then listen well and do not listen to speak, listen to add value to the conversation. During a networking event, there are so many people, right? And I am hoping we all want to be remembered after speaking with someone. How will that person remember? It is this impact of listening. Good listening skills get deeper interest of people and the recall. Most importantly, ‘keep in touch’, rather than ‘follow-through’. There is a nuanced difference and keeping in touch has helped me a lot in forming the bond that has translated into business as well.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
Extending beyond academia; Ankoor has been honoured with the "CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE 2024" award by Passion Vista and recognized as the "MAN OF EXCELLENCE, 2024" by the prestigious Indian Achievers' Award. Additionally, he received the "LEADER 2.0 AWARD, 2023" from adgully and was named a "DIGITAL KAIZEN LEADER by DigiAdCon 2024”, Dr. Dasguupta's contributions to the field of marketing are widely acclaimed, marking him as an inspiring thought leader in his domain. Ankoor is also a member of IMA India’s CMO Forum.
Most recently Dr. Dasguupta has been selected and felicitated with the national level award -Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam Inspiration Award 2024 in the category Youth Icon of the Year.
Dr. Dasguupta is a key member of the esteemed International CMO Council and keeps delivering lectures at top Business Schools and also colleges at University of Delhi. As an industry expert, Ankoor has also been a member of the interview panel at MICA for their PGP Group Exercise & Personal Interview PI process for PGDM-C/PGDM selection for two consecutive years. Dr. Dasguupta is also on the Advisory Board of the Marketing Department at ISBR Business School, Bangalore. Recognized by DMA Asia as a marketing Ace, Dr. Dasguupta is a LinkedIn Top Voice, advocate of social impact, driven by kaizen, Ankoor believes in the power of Energy and Energize
Dr. Ankoor is practicing his PCC (Level 2) coaching from the gold standard International Coaching Federation [ICF]. He is a people's person and has worked across functions in senior leadership positions in marketing, advertising, media & communication with a pedigree of 24 years and ongoing exciting journey. Trained from Dale Carnegie in Mentoring to Develop Talent, Ankoor is a marketing practitioner, a coach, a knowledge manager, a team builder, a thought-leader, an avid writer with close to 100 published articles / interviews and is a Thought Leader. Dr.Ankoor wears the hat of a CMO as well. His leisure pursuits are reading, effective listening and percussion. Follow Dr. Ankoor Dasguupta on LinkedIn| https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankoordasguupta/
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