How To Become a Better Networker

Whether you want to gain access to better investment opportunities or want to advance your career with the network connections you have, building a strong network can pay dividends in many areas of your life. There are numerous methods you can use to strengthen your networking skills. Along with attending industry events and striking up conversations whenever possible, you’ll also need great communication skills. Here’s how you can build a robust network from scratch.

Network Through Your Friends and Family

If you haven’t begun to build your network, your first goal should be to network through your friends and family. If people who are close to you already have strong networks with professionals and investors, consider approaching your friends and family members to inquire about opportunities they might have for you. For instance, a friend may know someone who’s looking to make a real estate investment but needs a partner for the investment.

Focus on Your Strengths

Many people believe that you need to be an extrovert to be effective at networking. You only need to know how to play to your strengths if you want to start building your network. If you’re an extrovert, it shouldn’t be difficult for you to begin conversations with other professionals and investors you want to add to your network.

If you’re an introvert, you shouldn’t attempt to act like an extrovert when trying to make connections. Instead, you could use social networks like Facebook and Instagram to begin the networking process. Another option is creating a list of topics and questions that can guide your future conversations. Your main goal should be to always focus on your strengths.

Follow Investor Blogs

An effective method for strengthening your network is to follow investor blogs. Many other investors make comments on these blogs, giving you an opportunity to begin a conversation by responding to an investor or making a comment to the author. Avoid spamming investor blogs with non-relevant information. Instead, focus on creating real conversations with like-minded individuals.

Another option available is to reach out to the people who own these blogs to ask if you can write a guest blog about a relevant topic. If you have any specialized knowledge of the market, you could write an article about this subject. It’ll help improve your reputation among other professionals and investors. Make sure your contact information is included with every blog article you write. After the article is posted, respond to the comments that are made under the article.

Attend Conferences

It may be easier for you to find connections for your network by attending conferences and events related to your profession or the type of investment you’re interested in. Take advantage of any opportunity to network that occurs during the conference. If the venue has a recommended hotel, make sure that you stay there to give yourself a better opportunity to start conversations.

While you’re at a conference, take advantage of your own network. If you spot someone you know at the event, ask this individual to introduce you to other people they know. Conferences are generally fast-moving events, which means that your conversations will likely be brief. Have an elevator pitch ready about subjects you want to speak on during any conversation.

Follow Up with People You Meet

You should also follow up with anyone you meet. After the initial conversation, email them or find them on social media platforms. Mention that it was great meeting them and that you’re thankful for their time. With the right approach, you should be able to build a lasting connection that will remain part of your network forever.

Having a strong network can be highly advantageous in all areas of your life, including in your professional career. If you want to bolster your investment portfolio, knowing other investors may give you access to opportunities you would have otherwise missed. Now that you know how to improve your networking skills, all that’s left is for you to get out there and start having conversations with people in and out of your industry.