How do you network and build rapport with new contacts or clients?

It is always good to understand your audience and be mentally aligned to the objective of any networking event one is attending. It is even better to understand and anticipate what you want to get out of any investment you are making. Investment is incremental and hence if initially you are just getting a feel of the field, that too is okay. Confidence comes from knowing , doing, experiencing , being amidst it all. So start with learning a little each time.

If you know some of the people who are going to be there then do some research to understand who they are, what they do, and what they like. This can be done via LinkedIn or general google search. This means when you meet them you can use some of the things you picked up on in your research to connect on. If you can’t find anything common then ask lots of questions and pay attention to what they say. Ask follow up questions and actively listen.

One must go with a hungry appetite to hear, learn and connect. The world is super interesting all around us. We can truly learn if we are willing to put ourselves on the learning journey. Any networking event is a powerhouse of learning. Learn about people, their personas, journey, viewpoints, talking styles. Observe , identify and look for building blocks. Willingness adds to curiosity ang learning - so be willing to absorb whatever comes your way, even if it is not in direct path of your chartered learning sequence.

Personal stories of failures and success resonates with one and all. Common grounds attract people to one another. It lays down foundation to build. Don’t be ever shy of sharing something that you may have struggled with and overcome in life. Don’t even be shy of sharing something that drives you - even if it is accolades. Authentic personal brand builds bridges! Be authentic to yourself and share you , the real you. It gives back manifold.

Body language is its own story. Be in sync with the language your body speaks and understand the why. Work with what triggers discomfort in the rhythm of your positive body language. People don’t like stern demeanors- it is like a gatekeeper. So learn to speak positively with your mind so that your body reacts in sync too.

Any relationship that lasts is ab exchange of investment of self, time, shared dialogue and common interests. These needs to be nurtured and developed. Building anything takes time as does relationships. Networking is building of self and relationship on an ongoing basis, it travels on the wheels of constant continued interaction. So make an effort in all your relationships that you wish to build forward.

Self Confidence comes from knowing your lesser confident self. Why do you not feel confident enough in presence of others to just be and network is something to delve deep within. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses alike is the basis for accentuating one’s confidence bit by bit. Every peeled layer of why is an addition to who you become. That is important In every aspect of interaction with self and others.

Join a local chapter of a professional organization like Business Network International. With the weekly 60sec pitch each member gets each week, this helps you to master that elevator pitch. Mastering just that pitch can go a long way in building your confidence either one on one or in a group setting.