IBA SUCCESS MAGAZINE Volume 6 Campaign 1 | Page 42

LET'S CLIMB TOGETHER
The Art of
Networking
AND 5 POINTS TO
IMPLEMENT TODAY!
By Jennifer Yon
T
he U.S. Dictionary has described networking to be “the
action or process of interacting with others to exchange
information and develop professional or social contacts.”
I describe it as bridge-building because building bridges takes a
team and without them, it can be difficult or even impossible to
reach your next destination. Networking is beneficial because it
enables you to leave a lasting impression on a person or group
and if strategically executed a good network could mean the
difference between reaching your goals 10x faster than the
person that never networks.
Cultivating beneficial relationships is the key; the misconception
is that networking is simply shaking hands and swapping
business cards which is totally absurd. Over the years I have
used networking to learn new techniques, elevate potential team
players, introduce others to new opportunities, and expand my
territory. I have wasted time, money and through it all mastered
the art that has delivered an abundance of great connections
that has served me well. Networking should be well thought
out, from the type of event to the types of people who will be
in attendance. Success is only achieved if you plan accordingly,
know and understand the process plus put in the work!
Check out my Top 5 Networking Tips. Implement them and
watch your network grow to include quality contacts & resources.

1. Know your product! Do you know your product well enough
to provide a one-minute description of what you do,
including those you market to? When someone asks you
what you do, be able and prepared to give them a compelling
response that doesn’t take all night. Remember, you want to
meet and have quick conversations to establish a connection
and move forward.

2. Be a good listener. If you are trying to sell a person at a
networking event, you are doing your business an injustice.
Get to know the person in front of you, make notes on their
business card, the reward will be much greater when you
follow up. Look and listen for the right synergy. Networking
is a give and take.
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IBA Success Magazine
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VOL 6, Issue 1

l-r: Jennifer Yon, Heissam Jebailey and Kate Shum

3. Be a resource. Sometimes you are at a place to be a resource.
People never forget how you may have helped by pointing
them in the right direction or shared a solution to their
problem, so build your network and be a resource.

4. Do the research. Before you purchase tickets or place an
event on your schedule, do the research. Is this a crowd that
compliments your network, or can you add value to the
group? Is the venue in close proximity to where you do
business? Time is money and money is time, so use yours
wisely when selecting an event to attend.

5. Stay in touch. Do you use a CRM tool to stay connected?
What are you doing to follow up after meeting a potential
customer, partner or resource? Staying in contact with a
person keeps you and what you offer relevant. Send an email,
make a call, or drop a handwritten note. Be sure to reference
things you discussed and I guarantee you will be
remembered.
It doesn’t matter what business you’re in, we all need people
to support our visions, shop with us, brainstorm and grow with.
Success is only great if it’s shared. Be someone who others want
to share with. Set your networking goals, focus on the prize and
remember to be a resource. Now is the time to work towards not
just our success, but the success of the entire network. Happy
Networking.
Let’s Climb Together.