What are the key traits you need to make a
stellar impression when networking? Ivan Misner, founder of Business Network International, recently surveyed 3,400 business professionals across the globe to find out the characteristics they like to see in a great networker.
- Good listener: 61%
- Positive attitude: 56%
- Helps others/collaborative: 52%
- Sincere/authentic: 52%
- Follows up: 52%
- Trustworthy: 48%
- Approachable: 32%
"Success in networking depends on how well we can listen and learn," Misner writes in a recent article at Entrepreneur.com, noting the survey's number one networking trait. "The faster you and your networking partner learn what you need to know about each other, the faster you'll establish a valuable relationship." He adds that it's important to listen to the other person's needs and concerns, and then try to find an opportunity to help, which can make for a lasting connection.
Also important is developing a positive attitude. "A consistently negative attitude makes people dislike you and drives away referrals," Misner says. "By contrast, a positive attitude makes people want to cooperate and associate with you. This is why
positive business professionals are like magnets. Others want to be around them and will send their friends and family to them, too."
Read more about how to master each of the seven networking traits
at Entrepreneur.com.
Source: “7 Ways to Better Networking,” Entrepreneur (Jan. 25, 2017)
