How To Be A Super Networker

Be inquisitive and interested in getting to know and help other people.
“And don’t be afraid of asking for tips and finding smart shortcuts,” advises Carina Nunstedt, Swedish media consultant and newspaper entrepreneur who was recently named Business Networker of the Year. Here are Carina’s top tips for becoming a better networker

1. Dare

“Dare to book meetings with people who inspire you. Ask your friends to introduce you to people you want to get to know. Be inquisitive and interested in getting to know other people. And remember: nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

2. Network everywhere

“Make sure you network both when you’re at work and free, and both in social media and in real life. For example, I’ve made lots of good new contacts while travelling on holiday. I’d also recommend good places for breakfast or lunch, at places like that it’s easy to bump into other exciting people, making it easy to do some ‘bonus networking’ on several levels.”

3. It’s always a good time

“Early mornings, in the middle of the day or late at night, there are no time limitations when it comes to networking. Meet other people where and when they’re happy to meet up.”

4. Talk – but listen more

“Don’t talk too much about yourself, make sure you’re a good listener instead. Be inquisitive and interested in the person you’re talking to. Ask more. Encourage one another.”

5. Don’t apologise

“When you’re networking you don’t have to apologise for yourself. And don’t be afraid to make use of your contacts to help you in your work.”

6. Use your personal resources

“For example, combine life with your children with your career. My children ‘forced’ me to become even more focused and better at being in the here and now at every meeting.”

7. Be social – IRL and online

“Meeting up in real life is tremendously powerful. It’s now become much more valuable, almost exclusive. The strength of social media is that you can see your nearest and dearest more regularly and be more present in the moment in everyday life. They’re an amazing tool when it comes to encouraging and giving a boost, and getting to know new role models. I’ve brought lots of smart new people into my network through both Facebook and Instagram.”

8. Inspire!

“Good networking is all about creating an experience that inspires on several levels. A one-to-one breakfast can cover the whole spectrum of emotions and make you give more thought to both your private life and work. An evening with exciting people will see you socialise and chat with your friends or colleagues about things that enrich you. You go home with lots of new insights and ideas about what you’re going to do next at work and in life.”