HOW TO MAKE NETWORKING A HABIT

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Networking simply means getting to meet people you can add value to and in return, they can add value to you too.
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In other words, it is all about building symbiotic relationships with other people.
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You can make networking a habit by doing the following:
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1. KNOW THE BENEFITS OF NETWORKING
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The reason you have not been networking is because you don't know the benefits of it.
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Here are some of the benefits of networking:
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(a) It gives you confidence:
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When you constantly network with other people, you get to overcome the initial shyness/awkwardness that comes from having a conversation with others.
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(b) Increases your knowledge and experience:
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If you network with the big names in your space, you stand a chance to draw water (information) out of their well (experience).
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There are a lot of information you can't get online except you get to meet people who are your seniors in your field of interest, they can give you access to a variety of information that can change your life for good.
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(c) It helps you to be prominent and it brings opportunities:
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Networking helps you to be easily seen and noticed. By being visible, you can easily get referrals and that's more money for you.
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Also, you don't know who you might talk to that has the key to open your close door.
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2. ATTEND EVENTS THAT YOU CAN NETWORK IN
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You've to get out of your comfort zone and attend events where you can meet the kind of people you need in your life.
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Networking, can be done anywhere, I.e., your workplace, church, gym, beach, a local business meeting, bus/train station, seminars, etc.
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You can also network on the online space using various social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.
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3. HAVE A PLAN:
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If you're to attend an event where you will like to network, it's important you do the following:
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(a) Make research about the event and the attendants.
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(b) Go with a friend, family member or colleague (The aim of this is to boost your self-esteem).
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(c) Volunteer to work at the event.
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 4. FOLLOW UP:
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I see no reason why you'll network, i.e., get contacts or cards of others and then leave it somewhere.
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After getting the contacts of the people you've networked with, it's important for you to reach out to them, telling them how you can be of benefit to them (Personally, you should seek for ways to add value to them).
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You're doing this to build trust and reliability.
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One day, when you'll need thier help, they reciprocate it because of the value you've given them.

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