Business networking offers the potential to address growth options available to you. And for owners looking to escape the walls of stagnation, it can become a viable path.Over time, businesses have used networking to expand their reach, attract more clients and witness stable growth. Learning how to network can open up opportunities you wouldn’t get from other methods.

In this article, we’ll give you a few tips to boost your networking skills so you can attract the right people and resources.

Attend business events

This is perhaps the first step. And it’s more about targeting than anything else. Sure, you can find potential business partners from general business events. But you’ll increase your chances of finding the right fit for your business by filtering the relevant ones. This way, you have a better shot of landing the right clients or partners. Having an idea of people you’d like to network with will help you select the best events to attend.

Be positive and smile

A positive attitude and a smile on your face is the perfect combo to forge meaningful relationships with people. Try not to enter unnecessary arguments and have an enthusiastic outlook about your products or service. Your goal is to make the other person comfortable. This way, the conversation feels natural and you walk away leaving a good impression. Also, smiling will help to reduce any tension that may build up in the room.

Be a good listener

Want to build stronger relationships? Make it about them not you. People love to talk about themselves and their experiences. Allowing them to share personal details makes them trust and like you more. Also, you’ll be able to pick valuable information that you can use to be more helpful.

Ditch the sales pitch

Nothing’s worse than arriving at event wearing the repulsive smell of “salesy”. Aim to cultivate personal relationships that stand the test of time. Remember it’s not a meet and greet, it’s a hope to re-meet.

Follow up

Making a connection is just a starting point. True networking requires you to find reasons to follow up so you remain top of mind with people. The best business relationships require commitment.  By being dedicated to fostering meaningful friendships through follow ups you’ll be able to keep the ball rolling long after your first meeting.