Positive workplace relationships are essential elements to a healthy organization. Professional relationships are not just personally rewarding – they are also critical for personal and professional growth. Building strong relationships is not only crucial for personal and professional growth but also for creating a positive impact on the community.
See Roz’s tips for successful networking and relationship building below. Try one (or more) of these tips at your next networking event!
4 Tips for Networking Success
- Active Listening: Active listening is an important skill in any networking situation. It involves paying close attention to what the other person is saying, focusing on their message, and often asking clarifying questions to build a deeper understanding of their needs and interests.
- Follow-up: Quickly following up, ideally within 24 hours if possible, helps you build new relationships, maintain relationships, and stay top of mind. Quick follow-up shows that you are interested in building a connection and are proactive about taking the next steps. Following up can also help you remember important details and keep the conversation moving.
- Share Information and Ask Questions: Networking is a two-way street. It’s important to share information about yourself and your goals, and also to ask questions to learn more about the other person and how you can help them. By doing so, you can find common ground and identify opportunities for collaboration or mutual benefit.
- Be Proactive: Proactivity is key to building strong professional relationships and being productive in the workplace. It involves taking the initiative and anticipating problems or opportunities before they arise. By being proactive, you can demonstrate your value and build a reputation as someone who is reliable and effective.
Networking and relationship-building can feel intimidating, yet it is crucial for personal and professional growth. Relationships also strengthen and deepen ties to the community, which opens doors and empowers us to make positive changes on a local level.
Relationships enable us to do what we do at Denver South. They allow us to collaborate with others from across a wide range of industries and experiences, pooling our knowledge to build a better Denver South. Our relationships keep us centered and focused on our mission to be the nexus between public and private sectors, driving forward regional collaborations to make this one of the premier places in the world to start, grow, and locate a business.
Do you have tips for successful networking or relationship-building? Share them with us in the comments below, and try out your skills at one of Denver South’s upcoming events!
