Five Attributes Of A Good Networker

• Excellent Listening Skills

Networking is a skill that can easily be learned but always takes practice to perfect.  One of the most important traits of a good networker is having the ability to listen.  Communication starts with active listening skills.  If you are intending to network rather it be at a conference, employment fair or at social events it is important to listen to the speaker in order to actively engage in the topic of conversation.  Listening is a way of building rapport, showing support, and being respectful.

• Pre-rehearsed Elevator Pitch

When it is your turn to be the speaker be sure you know what you are going to say.  This also takes practice but comes easily after a few tries.  An elevator pitch is a quick summary of yourself, your company and/or organization, and highlights your most recent successes to market yourself.  This summary should be completed in about 30 seconds – the time span of an elevator ride.  A good networker has a pre-rehearsed speech that engages and wows their audience.

• Be Polite

When networking you want to always remember what you mother taught you.  Always say please, thank you, your welcome and give compliments to other associates.  Use your skills of etiquette to impress others and increase your likeability amongst others.  ALWAYS be considerate of others.  When networking colleagues will remember, admire and be drawn to those whom seem genuine and are courteous.  Politeness is a magnet.

• Have a Grasp of Social Media

Social media is a buzzword that must be understood in order to be a good networker.  The days of “staying away” from the World Wide Web are over.  Every networking event and connection that you make is tied into social media.  Events are driven by Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Blogs.  A ‘must have’ quality of a good networker is to understand your role in social media and how to capitalize on making connections using these tools.  A true networker understands that relationships and business connections can be built from social media and carry on into professional and personal lives.  Get connected using social media.

• Smile – Be Approachable

The last attribute may be the most important aspect of being a good networker.  It is simply the value of a smile.  Smiling makes us more approachable, more attractive, gives a boost to our moods, and creates a new atmosphere that reduces stress.  A good networker keeps a smile on their face at events and knows that a smile translates across all language, ethnicity, religious and cultural barriers as a welcoming greeting.