How can you become – and be – a master networker? Sure, some people seem to be born master networkers, but if you study what they do and how they approach networking, you can quickly become a master networker yourself. Here are five key facts of networking life that master networkers understand and live by.

1. Networking is a life skill, not a sales skill

It isn’t a place you go to even though it’s easy to think of it that way, what with all those networking meetings. However, to be truly successful at networking, you have to approach networking as a way of being. Networking is about building associations, making connections and nurturing relationships that are mutually beneficial.

In fact, instead of looking for prospects while networking, seek to find referral partners – people who also target or service the same niche you do. Developing these connections will yield a greater return than hunting for a prospect.

2. Network everywhere, every day

Since networking is about building connections, you can do it anywhere. You’re not limited to traditional networking events. Think about it – even if you go to one event every week, which is far more than what most people do, that’s just one hour out of 40 or maybe even 80 that you spend each week going about your daily life. If you’re open to making contact at any time – how many more opportunities will you have than if you just limited yourself to that one hour at a networking meeting.

And not only that – some of the non-traditional connections can yield the best interactions. Just be open to striking up conversations and find ways to be of service.

3. Network with super-connectors

Make an effort to create connections with “super-connectors.” Those are people who are well known and involved in several different networks. With every super-connector in your network, your own network will expand exponentially. You may also want to pay attention to what they’re doing right, and learn to do the same.

4. Be inclusive

This is the flip side of networking with super connectors. Don’t turn up your nose at networking with people who are new to your group. You never know who you’ll connect with, and it’s an easy way to practice one of the most crucial skills of master networkers – connecting people with each other. Here’s how it works:

Watch out for loners hovering nearby. Even while engaged in a conversation, turn your body slightly towards the new person or smile and nod. When there’s a break in the conversation, pause and include them by introducing them to the person you were talking to. This will strengthen your connection as you extol your conversation partner’s benefits to the new person. And the new person will be grateful for being included.

5. Take the Lead

This point is a variation of the previous one. If you don’t know anyone at an event (and sometimes even when you do), look for people standing by themselves. Approach, smile, offer your handshake, and introduce yourself. Once again, that’s an easy connection to make, and besides, while this person may be new to YOUR group, he or she may well have many contacts in other groups.

Ready to get more out of your own networking efforts? Join Sue Clement at her upcoming teleseminar series “Insider Secrets to Referral Partner Success” and get ready to take your business to the next level.

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Tags: keys, master networker, networking, networking success, referral partners, success secrets, Sue Clement