Use These Nonverbal Communication Techniques for More Effective Networking

Use These Nonverbal Communication Techniques for More Effective Networking

Subscribe to Articles

When a small business entrepreneur attends a networking event, sometimes what you do is as important as what you say. This is where nonverbal communication can play a part in your success. We put together a list of nonverbal communication techniques that can be useful at your next networking event.

Nonverbal Techniques Used in Effective Networking

Facial Expressions

The muscles in the face can communicate very effectively without saying one word. The one interesting thing about facial expressions is that they are universal. This means when the language barrier comes into play, you can still communicate via facial expressions. In other words, we want to try and keep track of our facial expressions during conversations. For example, be sure to avoid smiling when the subject matter is serious, and try to avoid making a face that may show disgust, even though you may be feeling that way. People will tend to read what is expressed on your face rather than what you say, so be careful how you emote while in conversation.

Gestures

You can use gesturing to make yourself a more dynamic presence, but don’t overdo it. If you do it the correct way, you can use your hands to accentuate what you are saying. If you do it excessively, e.g. talking with your hands, it can be counterproductive and be a distraction that can make you look unprofessional and neurotic.

Many other nonverbal gestures can be used in networking. For instance, you can occasionally nod to show you are paying attention. You can also sit or stand with your arms open in front of you instead of folding your arms, which gives the impression of defensiveness.

Touch

In most networking events, touching will seldom be more than a handshake. However, that one opportunity of touch will communicate quite a bit about you. The firmness of your handshake will send a definite message to the other person about your personality. One thing that will turn most people off is a limp handshake.

On the other hand, you don’t want to shake so hard that it seems aggressive. The secret is getting the exact amount of correct firmness in your handshake that conveys assertiveness, not aggressiveness. Also, don’t forget to make sure your palms are dry before shaking hands as a sweaty palm is something everyone wants to avoid.

Space

Think about the space you are occupying while networking and how you are using it. For example, avoid slouching by sitting straight against the chair or leaning forward to show engagement. When standing, avoid fidgeting or shaking your limbs, and stand straight with your shoulders back for better posture while networking.

Pay Attention to Others' Non-Verbal Signals

Take the time to observe others and notice their nonverbal reactions to your comments. The more that you can pick up on others’ nonverbal communication, the more you will have the ability to incorporate the techniques into your networking.

Promotora Systems, Inc. can empower your success with our network management programs. Our business development experts can assist you with a relationship workflow model that can optimize your networking to its fullest extent. Contact us today to start your business assessment.

3 Powerful Effects of Positivity in Networking

3 Powerful Effects of Positivity in Networking

Subscribe to Articles

Despite recent web technology and social media, in-person networking is still the way a small business entrepreneur can grow their business. When it comes to successful networking, you must radiate a sense of positivity in your attitude. This positivity can be contagious and can inspire others to adopt this mindset, as well. This article can be your guide to building profitable relationships with a positive attitude that will improve your relationship strategy and empower your success.

The Effects of Positivity in Networking

It Helps Build Relationships

People who go through life with a positive outlook on life are magnetic. Most people prefer to be around other people with positive attitudes who can help motivate them to do their best. Positivity in networking can strengthen already established relationships and build relationships with new people. Once the positive vibe is active, that can make it much easier to create collaboration opportunities through the newfound camaraderie.

It Enhances Your Credibility and Increases Trust in Your Network

Just like an employer should have credibility and trust with his employees, you should have this trust within your network. Credibility and trustworthiness can be the greatest assets to a small business entrepreneur. If you establish credibility in your industry, it can significantly empower your success. People will want to seek you out as a source of valuable information.

You Can Be A Value Added Connector in Your Network

You will be known as someone in your community who people can come to with any problem or issue. This is where the power of relationships can improve your network. There are many ways your positivity can add value to your network and increase business development. They include:

  • Give Your Conversation Partner Accolades for a Recent Job Done Everyone likes a pat on the back for a job well done. The simple act of making someone feel appreciated for their efforts can make a great difference and go quite a long way.
  • Introduce Them to Others in Your Network Who May Be Valuable to Them If you are unable to provide help to your networking partner, perhaps you know someone who can? Introduce this person to someone who can help them.
  • Keep Them Up-to-Date with Any Networking Events Coming in the Future Everyone is so busy these days, it is very easy to miss things. Make sure your connection knows about any networking events coming up that are sure to be of interest to them. Try to spread the positive attitude that you believe the next networking event will be even more successful than the last.
At a future networking function, give these tips a try to grow your network and empower your success through the power of relationships.

Promotora Systems, Inc. has many coaching programs that can create strategic partnerships through networking. Contact us today to begin your business assessment.

How Active Listening Can Transform Your Networking Impact

How Active Listening Can Transform Your Networking Impact

Subscribe to Articles

There are many different elements in successful networking. One of the most useful but surprisingly not used to its full potential is active listening. In this article, we will tell you about active listening and how it can help you build win-win relationships to find new clients and grow your network.

7 Ways to Increase Your Networking Communication Skills

What is Active Listening?

Active listening is how we obtain information by paying close attention to our conversation partner. There are many benefits to active listening. They include the ability to gain knowledge, build relationships, and resolve conflict.

Research shows that we only retain 25% to 50% of what the other person says. That means your customers will not remember the majority of what you have said. You must also make sure that you don’t become bored with the conversation and lose interest. When you incorporate this active listening technique into your networking, you will see how listening more closely will cultivate your network growth.

How to Transform Active Listening into Your Networking Strategy and Become a Better Listener

To become an active listener, you must block out all distractions around you. You will have to pay close attention to the details the other person is speaking about. Then you will need to take a brief pause and respond in a relevant way. Remember that listening is not exactly the same as agreeing with someone. The other person will notice that you are a good listener and, in turn, will respect your views because you took the time to listen to theirs.

Practices of Active Listening

To be valuable to your network and create strategic partnerships, you must incorporate active listening into your networking strategy. Below are some of the best practices of active listening:

Body Language: Try to stay relaxed while in conversation. Avoid standoffish gestures like folded arms. Also make sure to keep consistent eye contact so your conversation partner knows you are paying attention.

Responding: When your conversation partner stops speaking, they will expect some response. Even if you can’t think of anything relevant right away, acknowledge that you heard them by responding, “I didn’t know that” or “that is an interesting take.” Even if you do not agree with your networking partner, don’t be afraid to express it appropriately.

Feedback: Avoid any assumptions you may have when giving feedback. Do not let your own views distort what you hear. To assure the other person that you are listening, ask them a question to clarify the point they just tried to make. Then, try to give your networking partner neutral feedback that is not based on any personal bias you have.

You can significantly optimize your networking impact when you practice active listening. At your next networking event, be sure to use some of these tips to master the art of active listening.

Promotora Systems, Inc. can help empower your success with our network management coaching programs. Contact us today to grow your business by developing relationships through effective networking.

7 Ways to Boost Your Communication Skills for Better Networking

7 Ways to Boost Your Communication Skills for Better Networking

Subscribe to Articles

Networking is first and foremost about communication. A great relationship strategy is communicating with your peers so you can begin the process of building profitable relationships over time. We developed these tips that will boost your communication skills and lead to quality connections. Read on to learn these great networking skills.

7 Ways to Increase Your Networking Communication Skills

Consider Your Audience

Before you begin a dialogue with anyone, consider who that person is. Take a minute to recall any previous conversations you may have had with this person. Consider how this person prefers to communicate, such as, are they a very detailed person? Then you can consider the best method of communication, be it brief, face-to-face meetings, messaging on LinkedIn, or email correspondence.

Practice Public Speaking

If you are someone who gets nervous before speaking to anyone in a business setting, practicing public speaking techniques can help you improve your networking skills. If you can practice and master public speaking to the point where you are articulate and more at ease in front of a group, communicating one-on-one will be much easier.

Pay Attention

Listening is one of the most important things you can do in networking. Start by making sure you are fully focused on the other person. When in conversation, it is a great idea to pick up on key details in the conversation for possible use later.

Take Notes

After your meeting, be sure to jot down all relevant points while they are still fresh in your mind. You will want to take these notes because it will ensure you have all the correct information about your connection and any details of your meeting. The last thing you will want is a breakdown in communication that may cause you to miss a future meeting or deadline.

Be Empathetic

When you express empathy for your peers, it significantly improves your communication skills. People like to know that you can relate to them and their struggles. Therefore, this can make them more likely to reach out to you later. Over time, word will get out in your network that you are someone of value who they can reach out to if ever needed. If you have a reputation like this, it can increase your network significantly.

Paraphrase and Ask Questions

Sometimes while networking, a conversation can get off track now and then. One remedy for that is to paraphrase a segment of your relevant conversation to steer the conversation back to business. You can also ask a few questions about the relevant topic, with the guise that you want to make sure you are clear about the other person’s idea.

Get Out There and Do It

The old saying goes, “practice makes perfect”. Networking, like most everything else, is a skill that takes time to cultivate. Consider your networking events as a classroom where you can master this valuable skill that can help you grow your business. Over time, you will effectively network your way through the room at events like a pro.

Contact Promotora Systems, Inc. to empower your success with our many business development services including network management.

Top 10 Most Valuable Networking Skills for Every Professional

Top 10 Most Valuable Networking Skills for Every Professional

Subscribe to Articles

Face-to-face networking is still one of the best ways to grow your business. Networking takes quite a bit more practice and effort than many people think it does. In fact, networking is a process that has several steps to do it successfully. Learn about these valuable networking skills that will help you find new clients, relevant connections, and build win-win relationships.

The Most Valuable Networking Skills

Create Real Friendships with Quality Connections

The first thing you need to do with networking is to shift your focus more on the people, not your potential opportunities. It can be very obvious to people when you are reaching out to them because you have something to gain. Instead, try to get to know the person you are speaking to a little bit. One useful relationship strategy is to be fully “on” in the moment. This means focusing yourself fully on what is happening in the meeting.

Another way to get to know people on a more personal level is to ask them about their family, friends, and interests. People love to talk about themselves, even outside of the professional realm. When you learn more personal details about the people you are networking with, it will make it so much easier to see them as more than just connections or opportunities.

Do Informal Interviews

Interview skills are a vital element of networking. These interview skills are helpful in many situations, not just in journalism or public relations. If you speak to your conversation partner in the Q&A format, for example, it will help you develop your listening skills, which will determine what your next question may be. This skill is essential to conducting good interviews and networking.

Listen with Intent

The practice of listening with intent to your networking partner to pick up relevant information is called active listening. The key is to get in the habit of practicing active listening at all times, not just in the work environment.

Be Positive

Face it, people are attracted to others with optimistic attitudes. The language you use while networking can also determine your success. Therefore, it is a great idea to try to maintain a positive attitude so you are seen as someone who finds solutions to problems and will take on new challenges.

Be Selfless

The concept of being selfless in networking is an ability to think of others’ needs before your own. When people see you as being of value to your network by offering assistance, it will help you build win-win relationships with many, both in and eventually outside of your industry.

Exude Confidence

One thing most leaders have in common is perceived confidence. People tend to gravitate toward people with confidence. Exude this confidence in everything you do and say, and you can empower your success as people follow you.

Accept All Feedback from Your Peers

This is the time to leave your ego at the door and accept all feedback from peers, both positive and negative. Constructive criticism can be one of the best tools that can help optimize your networking if you listen to others in your industry. You can use this information to improve your business.

Work on the Pitch

When the time comes to bring up your pitch in your networking cycle, make sure it is concise. A common networking term is the “elevator pitch” which is a pitch that can be relayed in one or two sentences aka in the time it takes to make a quick elevator ride. Those few sentences will have to make a real impact so you can get people intrigued in your brand. The best pitches are the ones that are short and manage to connect with the emotional core of what your business does. You can work on your elevator pitch to perfect it. Ask colleagues to listen to you practice your pitch and provide you with feedback on how you can improve it. 

Always be Consistent

Networking is also something you should be doing on a regular basis, not just when you seek new opportunities. Once you get yourself out there in the network circuit, you should not just fade away because people can forget about you if you are not consistent. Therefore, you should attend in-person networking events. You should also spend some allotted time on social media platforms like Facebook, and specifically use Linkedin to develop relationships. This is a prime example of consistent networking.

Send Strategic Email

At some point your communication with your connections will be via email. This email will, without a doubt, be another representation of you, so make sure it is a professional correspondence. You should write this email with the same etiquette that you have in your business email. Your follow-up email should contain a direct subject and use professional, positive language. Make sure you proofread the entire text before you send it out to make sure that your message is conveyed in an articulate manner.

Promotora Systems, Inc. can assist you with all your network management needs. Contact us today to join one of our coaching programs and optimize your networking skills.