Triblr.com by Vlad Stan

Networking Know-How may be essential for your business. Practically, you can find a team, new partners and grow your business through connections. Here are 10 tips that I consider to be essential when networking.

1. Be yourself

Don’t try to be someone you’re not, it may do more harm than you imagine. Just go there thinking that you are who you are, good or bad, and just be yourself. 100% you.

2. Ask yourself what the objective is

When you attend an event, have a clear objective in mind. For example: “I want to discover new things” or “I want to learn new things.”

3. Look for groups of people that interest you

Analyze the group’s tone and attitude. Are they willing to help? Is their leadership qualified?

4. Recruit volunteers for your team

It’s a great opportunity to give something back and stay connected with your group.

5. Know what you are doing and who you are doing it for

You have to make yourself clear when you say you are helping students or entrepreneurs and you have to clearly state what you are doing to help them. Ideally, you should say it in under 30 seconds. For example: “I am helping students become entrepreneurs.”

6. Give back to the community

There are things you’re an expert at, or want to become an expert at. Make a habit out of sharing new and valuable knowledge with others.

7. Introduce friends to each other without having a hidden agenda

If you know someone who can solve your interlocutor’s problem, introduce him to that person without expecting to get something out of it.

8. Everyone’s selfish, so think about what you have to offer first

Nobody wants to listen to your problems, so see if you can help the person in front of you. Ask them questions to find out what truly interests them and think of how you can help them. Only after that can you talk about your problem.

9. Think of the people in front of you as your friends

I don’t classify people into acquaintances, pals and friends. I think of all people as my best friends and when you are talking to a friend, you don’t think about asking them for something, you want to know how you can help them. And this helps me build extraordinary relationships. Friendship is when my interlocutor thinks of me as being their best friend as well. My door is always open.

10. Don’t be afraid to say what you’re looking for

Many people don’t know what their problem is and begin endless discussions. If you’re looking for something for your business, you should say it in the shortest and most coherent way possible. For example: If you’re not happy with your design team and your budget is very low, just say: “I’m looking for a team of brilliant designers that can work on my super-cool project, but you should know that I don’t have a big budget.” You will be surprised by the results.