How to network: the essential tools

Networking is essential to develop your professional network and seize new opportunities.

Whether online or face-to-face, networking well requires effective strategy And the good tools.

Today, the social networks, the connected business cards and the events of Networking are all ways to establish and maintain contacts.

Here are the indispensable tools to optimize your connection and ensure a networking smart!

What are the tools to network effectively?

Networking relies on key tools to facilitate networking and maintain your network.

Here are the most effective ones:

• LinkedIn : the professional social network par excellence for creating an optimized profile, sharing expertise and contacting new contacts.
  Your LinkedIn profile is a showcase of your professional career.
  
  A few tips:

• Use a professional photo.
• Fill in a powerful hook.
• Detail your experience and skills.
• Add customer recommendations and reviews.
• Share content regularly to improve your visibility.
• Using the right keywords : use relevant terms to optimize your visibility.

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• Connected business cards : a real revolution in networking.
  They allow you to share your contact details quickly and to ensure effective follow-up.
  You can also find some on our site.

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• Les CRM (Customer Relationship Management) : tools like HubSpot or Salesforce help manage and track professional contacts.
  Monitoring your interactions is essential and using a CRM or a website to keep track of discussions and facilitate follow-up is highly recommended!
  
  
• Online networking platforms : Meetup, Shapr or Eventbrite facilitate the establishment of relationships and the organization of targeted meetings.
  
  
• Networking calendars : they allow you to follow your events and optimize your schedule.

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How to develop your professional network?

Developing your network is essential to boost your career.

Here are some key strategies:

• Have a social media strategy : publish relevant content, interact with your audience and join professional groups.
• Maintain your contacts : a simple message or a comment on a LinkedIn post allows you to keep in touch.
• Participate in networking events : the trade shows and conferences are good ways to meet new people.
• To render service : offering help or sharing resources is a great way to strengthen your professional relationships.

Effective networking is based on several techniques:

• THEActive listening : ask questions and show interest in your interlocutor.
• Follow-up of meetings : send an email or a LinkedIn message after each important interaction.
• Diversifying contacts : don't limit yourself to a single sector, expand your network.

What are some tips for networking effectively if you are shy?

Networking may seem daunting, but there are effective strategies for doing so even when you are shy:

• Preparing in advance : Define your networking strategy and write down ideas for conversations.
• Use social networks : online networking is a great way to make new contacts before an event.
• Take advantage of networking applications : they allow you to find people with common interests.
• Practice active listening : asking questions and letting the other person speak helps to relax the conversation.
• Integrate professional groups : participate in evenings, seminars and at meetings helps to feel more comfortable.
• Practice presenting your activity : a good pitch reduces stress and improves the quality of exchanges.
• Set achievable goals : establishing a quality connection rather than accumulating a large number of contacts.
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With the right approach and the right tools, even shy people can successfully network professionally and expand their network.

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How do you establish professional contacts?

Establishing contacts requires a strategic and natural approach:

• Break the ice with engaging questions : “Where are you from?” , “What do you do for a living?”
• Use common points : a sector of activity, a mutual contact, a common event.
• Suggest a connection : if you know someone who can help your interlocutor, put them in contact.
• Take notes on your meetings to personalize your future exchanges.

The networking is a powerful tool to build your career and develop your business.
By using the right tools and adopting an effective strategy, you can turn every interaction into a business opportunity.

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How do I network during events?
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Successful networking doesn't start on the day ofhappening, but well in advance.

Here are a few key steps to be well prepared:

1. Define your goals
Why are you participating in this networking event ?
Are you looking for partners, of patrons or simply to exchange on projects ?
‍Define your expectations will allow you to guide your discussions effectively.

2. Find out about the participants
Consult the roster of the people present, look at their profiles on social networks professionals and identify contacts potentials. This will allow you to target your interactions and to have relevant keywords to be addressed during the exchanges.

3. Preparing your presentation
During an event, you only have a few seconds to do a Good impression.
Have a clear and powerful speech about who you are, what you do, and what you are looking for.

4. Have suitable business cards
One business card well-designed is essential to make an impression and facilitate contact after the event.
Today, the connected business cards even allow contact details to be exchanged in a single gesture, thus avoiding the loss of information

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Conclusion

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The networking Is a step essential for anyone wishing to evolve in the professional world.

Whether through the physical networking Or the virtual networking, establish and maintain connections is a real driver of success.

By adopting a structured approach, by mastering thecommunication art and by being strategic in your interactions, you maximize your chances of turning a simple encounter into a professional relationship fruitful.

Remember: the best way To succeed in his social networking, it is to be authentic, nosy and Listening.

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