Networking: adopt the right habits!
January 10, 2025
In an increasingly interconnected professional world, networking has become a common practice. Creating, developing and benefiting from a solid, reliable network can be learned. In Luxembourg, there's no shortage of opportunities to network and meet new people. Numerous events are offered on a regular basis. In this article, we'll give you some tips on how to network effectively.
When it comes to business, going it alone is rarely beneficial. No matter what sector of activity you're in, you always need relationships based on trust, reliable partners, or simply the opportunity to exchange ideas and information.
Maintaining regular contact with your network is one of the habits you need to adopt to succeed professionally. For some people, communicating and creating social connections comes naturally; for more introverted people, it takes a little more effort.
The good news is that you can get inspired, prepare yourself and avoid making the wrong move.
Why and for whom?
Networking can serve several purposes. It is practiced by executives and entrepreneurs who want to find new business opportunities, investors or partners. It can also be used by job seekers who want to make themselves known and meet recruiters.
More generally, any professional looking to expand their network and advance their career in some way may be interested in networking.
Networking is an excellent way to circulate information, keep in regular contact with your peers, and stay abreast of the latest developments in your sector.
Nowadays, you can expand your network through the many events on offer in Luxembourg: trade fairs, conferences, round tables... or even the Masteclass Cocktail, offered at GANG in partnership with Pluxee on January 23. You can also network online on social networks such as LinkedIn, or at more informal occasions such as business lunches.
Where to start? Clarify your goals!
If you're new to networking, you're probably wondering how to get started.
The first question to ask yourself concerns your objective. Do you want to find new professional opportunities? Develop new partnerships? Strengthen your credibility and influence? The reasons why you want to expand or solidify your network can be diverse, and it's important to clarify them to ensure the effectiveness of your efforts.
The answer to this first question will probably lead you to identify the type of people you want to meet and the places where you can find them. You'll also have a clearer idea of how to present yourself, whether on social networks, or in real life, when you meet someone.
By clarifying your objectives, you'll have a better chance of building a coherent, strategic network.
Prepare yourself
Networking requires a minimum of preparation, whether in terms of your image, your general presentation, or what you have to say.
It's important to take care of your presence on professional social networks. After all, the people you meet will probably visit your profile and connect with you virtually. So it's a good idea to polish your Linkedin profile first and foremost, making it complete and in line with your objectives.
Before you attend an event, make sure you ask yourself all kinds of questions. Who are you going to meet? What kind of discussions will take place? What will you explain about yourself? What do you need to pay particular attention to in order to make a good impression? All these questions will help you to think things through and prepare for your various presentations.
In the thick of things
When you're there, it's all about making a good impression. To do this, you obviously need to take care of your image. And it's all about your state of mind.
No matter how hard you try, if you're stressed or uncomfortable, your audience will feel it. It's easier said than done, so don't put too much pressure on yourself. After all, you've got nothing to lose.
Since you're going to be doing a lot of talking, it's important to manage the way you speak. If you tend to speak too fast, try to slow down and speak in a calm, clear voice. If you're the kind of person who stutters, practice speaking on certain subjects beforehand. Don't try so hard to fill in the blanks - it could be worse than it is good. Let others do it for you.
The importance of non-verbal communication
Communicating involves the spoken word, of course, but also what we call the “non-verbal”. Here are a few tips to help you do just that:
- Adopt an open posture, avoiding crossing your arms.
- Think about your facial expression: try to look relaxed, smile, and avoid frowning.
- Keep a reasonable distance between you and your conversation partner: not too close, not too far.
- Avoid grand gestures and overly extrovert attitudes, which can be upsetting.
- When you talk to someone, look them in the eye.
La Consistency
For your efforts to pay off, it's important to respect a certain regularity in your networking practice. If you want people to keep you in mind, don't hesitate to “show up” several times a month, whether through your physical presence at events, or your activity on social networks, especially LinkedIn.
If you networke on a one-off basis, you won't be remembered; you'll remain just another face. On the other hand, if you're seen, read or heard on a regular basis, you're much more likely to make a lasting impression.
