Networking (or networking in English): a term that is both fascinating and intimidating, is often described as essential for success in the professional world, but also as a real labyrinth for those who do not master its codes.
Between events, Linkedin and social networks, meetings and business card exchanges, It's easy to get lost. However, when it is well mastered, it can be very powerful: for a job search, launch a new project, raise funds...
So let's see together how to do it, with what tools, to expand your network and create great relationships !
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Professional networking, by definition, consists of create, maintain, and develop relationships with other professionals in order to exchange ideas, share resources, and seize mutual opportunities.
Beyond building an “address book”, it is a question of building authentic and trusting relationships over the long term, which can be real assets for all your life projects.
It is a valuable skill, which will only be strengthened over time, and which can truly take you to new horizons.
Today, thanks to modern technologies, networking is no longer limited to physical meetings. It also extends to virtual interactions, where digital tools play a crucial role in connecting professionals, even remotely.
A famous quote popularized by Tim Sanders (New York Times bestselling author) is as follows “Your Network is Your Net Worth”, or “Your network is your true value.”
And for good reason: the more you develop a solid network, plus you Multiply opportunities !
Whether you're looking for referrals, new customers or partners, career growth, or even a job, a well-built network can be the key to achieving your goals.
The best opportunities are often hidden behind a relationship of trust, built over time. It is therefore essential to understand that your professional network is a asset which will become more and more interesting over time if you put your goodwill into it.
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Above all else: relax. The basis for networking remains meeting and exchanging with new people. Don't you Don't put on too much pressure, you just have to apply these strategies, and everything is going to be fine.
Start by building your current network:
You already have a network, even if it is not yet as developed as you want it to be.
Don't underestimate these relationships. Think about your school environment (high school friends, college classmates), as well as your former colleagues or employers. All of these people already belong to your network and represent potential access points to professional or personal opportunities.
First concrete action : Engage in conversation with these contacts to better discover their jobs, activities, projects and interests.
This will give you a better idea of who is in your current network and how you can help them through your own connections.
The more you understand each other's skills and offerings, the more likely you are to create synergies and strengthen these relationships.
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Now that you've taken stock of your existing network, it's time to expand it by going to meeting new people. Here are some effective methods:
Joining a business club or professional association is a great way to meet professionals who share the same issues. These clubs regularly organize events (conferences, workshops, business lunches, speed meetings), creating opportunities for exchange and collaboration for you or your company.
Some clubs, such as Dynabuy in France, offer speed meetings to facilitate first contacts. Here is a list of popular business clubs to explore: click here.
consultancy : If you are intimidated by the idea of going alone, invite a colleague or friend over. And don't forget your business cards (physical or virtual) to stay in touch and list the people we met.
Groups on platforms like LinkedIn, Slack or Reddit allow you to connect with professionals from around the world.
Join groups in the sectors you are passionate about (digital marketing, sales, pottery or whatever!) and take advantage of this common point to start discussions.
tip : Be active in these groups by sharing relevant content and participating in discussions. Again, remember to give before you receive!
Some platforms are specially designed to promote professional meetings. They connect you with people based on your interests or professional needs, allowing you to meet targeted contacts.
Tip: On Lunchclub, a platform that connects professionals for virtual meetings, you are paired with someone in your chosen field. After a constructive conversation, you can stay in touch to contribute to each other.
Obviously all these meetings will not necessarily lead to something, but it is an excellent start!
Hackathons or competitions are events where professionals meet to collaborate on projects. These events are perfect for meeting people in a collaborative and creative way.
tip : Hackathons are the perfect place to meet a future associate for example! Take advantage of the collaborative aspect of these events to create solid foundations with profiles that you would not have encountered otherwise.
For facilitate networking and form connections, some tools are essential. Here are ours:
LinkedIn is undoubtedly the essential tool for professional networking. With over 900 million users worldwide, it allows you to build a solid online network, interact with specialists and leaders from all sectors, and share your knowledge.
consultancy : Optimize your profile by adding a professional photo, a catchy summary, detail your experiences and above all publish about your topics, services or knowledge.
The business card: number 1 tool for sharing your contact details. Its effectiveness can be questioned given that it is often thrown away or at the bottom of a pocket.
You can opt for a virtual business card: Cardynale offers a free one.
A few advantages:
🎨 Share a personalized profile and your contact in 2 clicks
💫 All your links, networks, brochures are available on your profile
🔙 Collect the contact details of the contact person in return
👥 List, sort and annotate all your encounters so you don't forget anything
📄 Scan paper cards so you don't lose any contacts
In short, an all-in-one solution for a concrete network. Create your digital card!
Scheduling appointments or calls can become time-consuming if you have to exchange emails multiple times to find the right time. Tools like Calendly or Google Calendar simplify this process by allowing you to share your availability directly.
• consultancy : Integrate your appointment link into your Cardynale virtual business card to facilitate the management of your meetings.
Networking is a practice that is primarily based on people. Even if the challenge is to build your network, it is above all about being good at human relationships.
Here are a few mistakes you should definitely avoid:
One of the biggest pitfalls of networking is to think of each interaction as a simple transaction. Some people approach networking with a mind that is solely focused on “What can I gain immediately?”.
Think long term! The benefits of networking are only felt through lasting relationships in which you have invested.
Tip: Take the approach of “Give first”. Think about what you can contribute to the other person before asking for something. Whether by offering advice, a service, a recommendation or simply by listening: you must remember to give before receiving.
Networking is more than just talking about yourself. Another common misstep is to monopolize the conversation by trying to convince the other person of your value.
Remember: Everyone loves to talk about themselves, so listen to the person you're talking to!
Tip: PracticeActive listening. Ask questions and show genuine interest in the person you're talking to. This will not only enrich the conversation, but also demonstrate that you are there to understand and help, and allow you to access much better information.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make after a meeting is never following up. A large part of the effort is then wasted.
A follow-up can be a very simple action: an addition on Linkedin, a nice message, testing the person's product...
In short, strong attention added value that will mark your new contact and make them want to remember you!
Tip: Good follow-up starts with having the contact details of those who make up your network. Cardynale can help you with that!
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That's it, you have worked hard, met, exchanged, you now have a concrete network! But you still need to know how to maintain it.
A few tips:
Connecting people in your network who could benefit from each other is a great way to strengthen your relationships. It shows that you care and want to create value for them.
🚨 Attention 🚨: Do this only if it is really relevant, and ask for details about what your interlocutor really needs. A bad relationship can be annoying for the 2 people concerned.
If someone has given you a hand, let them know how it has helped you. A simple thank you message, accompanied by the results, strengthens the relationship.
Stay visible by regularly posting new and relevant content on LinkedIn. Share your thoughts, projects, or interesting articles to keep your connections interesting.
Organize your contacts for easy retrieval. Tools like Cardynale allow you to centralize your relationships and track your interactions, and allow you to refer to your latest discussions.
Manage your interactions and reminders via a CRM for commercial contacts. HubSpot in its free version can be a good option!
Send a newsletter regularly to share your projects, lessons learned, your latest book, top of your content... The main thing is to stay ahead of the curve while adding value to your network.
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Networking is above all about authentic and rewarding relationships!
With the right tools and a bit of consistency, you can build a network full of opportunities. Remember: staying connected, helping, and sharing makes all the difference.
To go further and become an ace in communication, we recommend two great books:
• The book How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes: 92 simple tips to shine in society.
• And the book How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: A reference for building strong and genuine relationships.
