The phrase ‘your network will determine your net worth has definitely become a cliché’. But it reminds us of a truth that networking is essential for success in business and life as well. The surprising matter though is that there are people whose network does not align with their desired net worth. And the reason for this being that these individuals do not know how to network effectively. Networking can be a hurdle for many people, and mostly those who consider themselves as introverts and not so outgoing. The truth, though, is that being an introvert does not mean you cannot network effectively. There are just ways to go about it that is effective, and the three below ways are sure to help you network better.

 1. Be on the giving and not receiving end

Lets get this one right off the way. Most people network wrong because they look at networking as a way of only finding people who will propel them or their businesses to greater heights. This means that most people network to receive and not to give. But this only makes you a parasite and no one wants to associate with a parasite. Although you network to increase your net worth, you have to think of how you contribute in increasing the net worth of the other person. It has to be a mutual thing. Think more on what you have to give, than as to what you stand to receive. In a nutshell, do not be selfish.

 2. Be genuinely interested

People network for their benefit, and this sometimes means that people are not really interested in the other person or their business but what they will reap from the relationship. Unfortunately, these people often do not network so well. Once a person sees that you are not really interested, because you are not even in the conversation or somehow, you will not even get a business card. You have to be genuinely interested to network effectively. Ask what they do, what they like or anything that shows genuine interest and be sure to remember it. If you network to build relationships, you will definitely network better.

 3. Package yourself well

Packaging is so powerful. I would never buy some products if they were packaged wrong. Think of a sweet product packaged in a manner that says I am sour, I would definitely pass. Unfortunately this is what some people do. Their packaging does not represent the content. Remember that people will address you in terms of how you are dressed. This goes beyond how you are dressed, it inhibits how you present yourself. How you greet, – sure you know about the firm handshake-, how you present what you do and so on. I have learnt over the years that most entrepreneurs loose out on investors and clients in the early stages of doing business because of their inability to articulate very well.

Networking is important, and is not impossible. Just like any other skill, it can be learned. The best way to learn anything is by doing it. With that said, practice networking making use of the above tips.