Here Are The Qualities You Need To Be A Great Networker

Have you been laying pavers of opportunity? Take a look at your social contacts and think hard about your professional ambitions because when you’re trying to advance in your career, it’s all about who you know.

Michael Darcy Brown

A new friend could get your resume in the door of a company you’ve been following. An old classmate could tell you about an open position at the firm where he works, well before it’s posted publicly.

Networking is the lifeblood of your career. In fact, 40 percent of job seekers surveyed by Jobvite in 2014 found their job through personal connections.

Before you amp up your game, consider what makes for successful networking. The best networkers aren’t just advantaged extroverts, with a lot of social opportunities. They are strategic and carry themselves with a specific mindset.

Adopt these 10 qualities, and you could follow the path to success just by making connections:

Sincerity

The best networkers do not try to impress people by being someone they’re not. They are open, say what they like, and mean what they say.

Optimism

Great networkers are inspiring! They lift the spirits of everyone by reminding them of the bright side. Their happiness is contagious. Others reach out to them on a rough day for a shot of cheer.

Genuine interest

Regardless of who they’re talking to, great networkers are always genuinely interested in what the other person has to say. They are active listeners and ask questions to unfold the conversation, not detract from it. The other person has their full attention.

Enthusiasm

There’s something magnetic about enthusiastic people — the way their faces light up when they are excited about something. Great networkers show when they are delighted about an opportunity. They smile and hold a surge of passion that could be used to conquer any task.

A collaborative approach

The best networkers know it’s not all about them, it’s about their team. They help those they meet connect with others to create a partnership. They aim to work together, to grow a mutually beneficial relationship.

Modesty

Meeting new people in the business world isn’t a show-and-tell. Great networkers build relationships through discussing interests, not showing off their accomplishments. They know when to mention their achievements and when to celebrate the success of others.

Confidence

No one knows “it all,” but the best networkers are sure of what they believe and confident in the choices they make. They’re sure of their own abilities, making it easy to “sell” them to everyone they meet.

Respect

Great networkers show respect for their peers, co-workers and managers — past and present. They don’t share in-depth stories about personal conflicts or muddy reputations. Instead, they highlight the positive points, or share how they grew out of complicated circumstances.

Industry knowledge

Following what’s trending in the industry gives great networkers plenty to talk about with the people they connect with. They quickly evaluate their audience to determine what they care about and what’s worth discussing.

Gratitude

The best networkers remember to thank everyone who helps them. They are grateful receivers, as well as generous givers. They don’t take what they have for granted and appreciate the little things.

As you run into people during the day, practice these traits. The more people you meet, the more you’ll notice how exhibiting these qualities helps build better connections — which could help advance your career.

Which of these qualities is hardest for you to show when you network? Why?