Recently, I’ve noticed a few posts online from people feeling frustrated with networking. Some believe it doesn’t work for building businesses, while others feel they’re not using it as effectively as they should.

Read the four habits or practices I've learned that give me the results I'm looking for when it comes to networking.

Remember, networking is providing opportunities for others that they may not have except for you, so that you have standing to ask for opportunities from those same people when you need them.

With my definition of networking in mind, consider 4 habits we overlook, but shouldn't when we network.

Four Habits We Overlook, but Shouldn't

Asking For Others to Make Introductions on Your Behalf

Meeting other business owners is only the first step in networking. Having 1-2-1s is the second step. Did you know there is another step beyond the 1-2-1? Ask for those in your network to introduce you to the people they know who are good prospects for you.

Don't be timid in using your connections to ask for introductions. If you give people the language to use to make the introduction, they will likely help you.

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone to Find Referrals For Others

Referrals for others don't fall into our laps most of the time. It's great when they do. We must be proactive in searching for referrals for others. This means we ask a lot of people. A LOT OF PEOPLE

It also means we will receive a lot of NOs. Keep asking.

When my husband and I helped my teenage daughter purchase a car, I learned that the car's owner also owned a business. We spoke while my husband and daughter test drove the vehicle and by the end of the conversation, I identified an opportunity for someone in my network, planted a seed in the owner's mind about how my person could help him, offered to make the connection happen, and was turned down, all in a matter of about ten minutes.

The take away was not that I was turned down, but that I was listening for opportunities for those in my network and wasn't afraid to ask if the owner would be willing for a connection to happen.

Referrals are powerful, and when you can bring someone a referral, you build an important bond with that person. Make sure you are constantly listening for ways to bring those referrals to those in your network.

Confirming Appointments With Those in Your Network

Simple acts matter just as much as grand gestures. A simple "Hi Mary I'm looking forward to our lunch today at 1pm. Confirming this still works for you?" text or email can take a lot of frustration out of your networking efforts and keep you from becoming disillusioned.

Let's give others every opportunity to shine. Confirming appointments is a simple way to do this.

Would you like an email template to set up a 1-2-1 meeting with a fellow networker? Click here for this free resource.

Networking With Intention

In tour 49 I talk about the networking "sweet spot" and how important consistency is when we network.

Have a plan, you'll burn out quickly without one.

When you attend a networking lunch, you aren't merely having lunch with other business owners. You are laying the foundation for building vital relationships to grow.

Keep this in mind at every networking function you attend. Methodically learn about others, provide value to those you want to know better, look for referrals for them, and ask them to make introductions on your behalf.

Go network my friend, and remember;

Good networking habits equal networking success!

Faithann Basore and her husband Dave have owned Window Cleaning Plus (WCP) for 10 years. Growing WCP through networking has given Faithann the desire to guide other small business owners through the networking terrain so they can feel comfortable and build long lasting relationships in their business.

Got networking questions? Email me at [email protected].