Here's how you can build credibility and trust when networking with new contacts in your industry.
Networking is a cornerstone of professional growth, and building credibility and trust is vital for fruitful connections. When you meet new contacts in your industry, it's important to present yourself authentically and with integrity. Your reputation precedes you, and in today's interconnected world, a good impression can lead to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. By focusing on the value you can offer and being consistent in your interactions, you'll lay the groundwork for a network that not only recognizes your expertise but also trusts your judgement and recommendations.
-
Meryl HisICF Career Coach, HR Advisor & Professor for MBA candidates @IE Business School ⭐ Higher Education | Talent Management…
-
Jaydeep ParmarLinkedin Top Voice | Chief Manager- Strategic Initiatives at MCPI Private Limited | Angel Investor | Train The Trainer…
-
Dr. Sydney Ceruto - FounderMindLAB Neuroscience - Life, Career, Executive & Relationship Coaching Backed by Science
Authenticity is the currency of trust in professional networking. When you meet new industry contacts, be genuine in your interactions. Share your true professional interests and goals, rather than trying to fit a mold you think others want to see. This sincerity fosters a genuine connection and makes others feel more comfortable opening up to you. Remember, the strongest networks are built on real relationships, not just business transactions.
-
Be yourself & avoid putting on a facade. Share genuine experiences, including challenges & failures. Express your true passions & interests within your field. Admit when you don't know something & show willingness to learn. Use your own voice & communication style, not an artificial persona. Be transparent about your goals & motivations for networking. Share personal anecdotes that relate to professional topics. Express authentic emotions & reactions in conversations. Align your actions with your stated values & beliefs. Be open about your strengths & areas for growth. These strategies foster genuine connections, demonstrating reliability & authenticity in networking interactions.
-
Be Authentic Focus on being authentic to build credibility and trust when networking with new contacts in your industry. Show genuine interest in others, listen actively, and share your true experiences and insights. Be transparent about your goals and values, and follow through on promises. Authenticity fosters trust and helps establish meaningful, lasting connections.
-
"Build credibility and trust with new contacts by being authentic, consistent, and valuable. Show genuine interest in their work and offer helpful insights or resources. Follow through on commitments and maintain open communication. Share your expertise through thought leadership content or speaking engagements. Be transparent about your strengths and weaknesses, and ask for feedback. By doing so, you'll establish a strong foundation for meaningful relationships and a reputation as a trusted industry professional."
-
💯 be AUTHENTIC. I have interviewed many, MANY, applicants in the 22+ years I’ve done HR. Don’t be during an interview to demonstrate your vulnerability. Be honest. Some people may advise you to “spin” your answer in a positive direction. I may acknowledge that I am drawn into more positive answers than negative responses. HOWEVER, if you can provide an example of when you failed, what you’ve learned from the experience, and what preventative process you’ve been in place to avoid repeating the mistake…. well… as far as I’m concerned that demonstrates professional growth. Be Genuine! Be Concrete! Be Honest! … and show that you can learn, empathize, and learn from mistakes. If you don’t make mistakes, you can’t learn and grow.
-
Com toda certeza a autenticidade é um fator primordial para construir conexões verdadeiras. Entretanto, pela minha experiência percebo a importância em usá-la de forma estratégica, dentro de um plano de comunicação que gere valor a marca pessoal. Afinal de contas, nem tudo deve ser dito sobre si. Fazer uma reflexão sobre pontos importantes para levantar naquele bate-papo pode ajudar a estruturar um discurso que seja autêntico mas estratégico ao mesmo tempo.
To be seen as a credible contact, focus on adding value in every interaction. Whether it's sharing industry insights, offering to make introductions, or providing feedback on a project, your aim should be to help others. When you're known for being helpful, people will naturally want to reciprocate and support you in return. This mutual exchange lays a strong foundation for trust and a robust professional relationship.
-
Share relevant industry insights & knowledge. Offer assistance or resources that can help them achieve their goals. Provide introductions to other valuable contacts in your network. Share useful articles, tools, or research that align with their interests. Offer to collaborate on projects or initiatives. Provide constructive feedback or advice when appropriate. Be a reliable source of support & follow through on commitments. Share your unique skills or expertise to solve their problems. Engage in meaningful conversations that address their needs. Show genuine interest in their work & offer encouragement. These strategies demonstrate your commitment to mutual success, enhancing trust & credibility in your professional relationships.
-
Sharing is caring! Those who just ask and don’t ever return will find themselves without the support they want ✌️ share information. Offer help. Be a giver 🦋
-
É muito mais fácil pedir ajuda quando você contribui ativamente para ajudar o outro, do que simplesmente pedir sem nunca oferecer nada em troca. Pense nisso! Contribua com sua rede de contatos de diversas maneiras diferentes, seja quando te pedirem, seja de maneira proativa e, quando precisar, fique confortável em pedir ajuda, pois sua parte, você fez primeiro!
-
I value authenticity and transparency as fundamental to fostering meaningful industry relationships. Actively listening and genuinely engaging with others' perspectives are essential, alongside fulfilling promises promptly. My approach includes providing value through relevant resources and connections, prioritizing long-term benefits over immediate returns. Discipline, respect, and loyalty are core to my professional ethos. I maintain a high standard of professionalism, reflecting expertise through a thoughtful online presence on platforms like LinkedIn. I actively seek feedback to improve and ensure thorough follow-up after our interactions, respecting both your time and our ongoing dialogue.
-
In today's world of YouTube videos and ChatGPTs, the way we add value has evolved. I believe that in this age of easy access to information, one can add value by explaining "how" something should be done rather than just stating "what" should be done. For example, instead of telling a student, "You must do some internships," I focus on helping them secure an internship. This might include making introductions or advising them to acquire certain skills first.
Consistency in your professional demeanor and reliability in your commitments are key to building trust. Ensure that you follow through on promises and maintain a steady presence within your network. This could mean regular participation in industry events, consistent online engagement, or simply keeping in touch through periodic updates. When contacts see that you're dependable, they'll be more inclined to trust you with opportunities and information.
-
Consistency and persistence is an important trait. Do not just meet people and forget. Remember them and make sure that you seek help or offer help whenever it is feasible. This creates unspoken friendship or healthy network.
-
Theres no alternative in life to becoming sucessful than being consistent. Energy grows where energy goes. Wherever your vibes go consistently with focus, is where everything of your next best version will come from... Consistency and Focus are the key factors in not just getting better with your network, but with every piece that makes the success puzzle complete!
-
Maintain regular communication without being overbearing. Follow through on promises & commitments consistently. Present a coherent personal brand across all platforms. Respond to messages & requests in a timely manner. Demonstrate reliability by showing up on time for meetings. Consistently deliver high-quality work or insights. Maintain a steady presence at industry events & online forums. Align your actions with your stated values & beliefs. Be consistent in your treatment of all contacts, regardless of status. Regularly share valuable content or updates in your field. These strategies showcase dependability & professionalism, fostering trust in your networking relationships.
-
Consistency is one of the secrets of success in any profession. You earn credibility and trust when you are consistent in sharing your thoughts and experiences in your chosen career. Doing this will make other people in your industry come to you for your insights and professional advice because you have become a voice and a thought leader in the industry. For example, in every city, there are people, the press or newsmen usually run to for interviews about events in that city because they are thought leaders in the particular industry by reason of their consistency.
-
A consistência é chave para manter a confiança a longo prazo. Mantenha-se presente e engajado em sua rede de contatos, respondendo às comunicações em tempo hábil e cumprindo suas promessas. Se você disser que vai fazer algo, certifique-se de fazê-lo. A consistência nas ações reforça sua confiabilidade.
Active listening is crucial when networking. Pay close attention to what your new contacts say, and show that you understand their needs and perspectives. This not only helps you learn more about them but also demonstrates that you value their contributions. By listening intently, you'll be able to offer more targeted help, which can solidify your reputation as a thoughtful and attentive professional.
-
Give full attention to the speaker, avoiding distractions. Ask thoughtful follow-up questions to show engagement. Paraphrase key points to ensure understanding. Observe non-verbal cues for deeper comprehension. Avoid interrupting or rushing to respond. Show empathy by acknowledging their perspectives. Take mental or physical notes on important details. Provide verbal & non-verbal cues to indicate active listening. Resist the urge to formulate responses while others are speaking. Follow up on previous conversations to demonstrate retention. These strategies demonstrate genuine interest & respect, fostering trust & deeper connections in networking interactions.
-
Active listening is such a critical skill when networking because it builds intimacy with the person, one is interacting with, which further impact building trust. Here are few things to keep in mind: - Ask questions to affirm to the other party that you are listening - A simple nodding while another person is speaking can be impactful - Summarizing the few of discussion points will be very impactful
-
Listening is the Key to Effective Networking and Relationship. Active listening is a powerful tool in the realm of networking, this can lead to more meaningful interactions, stronger relationships, and a reputation as a considerate and attentive. So next time you find yourself in a networking situation, remember that sometimes the most impactful thing you can do is simply listen.
-
Active listening is a skill often overlooked by candidates when networking (or interviewing) with potential contacts and employers. When keen, there can be a tendency to want to speak about yourself, boast your skills and get across why you're an ideal candidate. However, if you take the time to actively listen (i.e. genuinely listen to what someone is saying not just waiting for a break so you can talk again) you will be able to pick up on what some current pain points might be. This could enable you to ask some thoughtful questions about what they've tried so far and then give you perspective on how they could potentially resolve the issue. There's a reason that we have 2 ears and only 1 mouth.
-
Networking isn't about talking over people or pushing your agenda. It's about truly listening to what others have to say. Show genuine interest in their experiences, challenges, and goals. Ask insightful questions, paraphrase to ensure understanding, and demonstrate that you're genuinely engaged in the conversation.
Clear communication is essential for building trust. Be concise and articulate when discussing your skills, experiences, and how you can contribute to your industry. Avoid jargon unless it's common knowledge within your field, and always aim to clarify rather than confuse. When people understand what you're saying, they're more likely to see you as a credible source of information and insight.
-
Use concise and straightforward language. Avoid jargon or overly complex terms unless necessary. Organize your thoughts before speaking or writing. Be specific about your intentions and goals. Provide context for your statements to avoid misunderstandings. Use active voice to convey confidence and clarity. Confirm understanding by asking for feedback or summarizing key points. Be transparent about your availability and limitations. Use appropriate tone and body language to reinforce your message. Follow up with written summaries or action items after meetings. These strategies ensure your message is understood and respected, enhancing trust and credibility in your professional relationships.
-
Effective communication is an important skill for success in any career. Whenever you are speaking to an audience, you have to understudy your audience and choose your words clearly, so that you can pass your message across to them. For example, in business, even if you have the best business idea, if you are not able to communicate it clearly to a prospective investor through your pitch deck, you cannot close the deal.
-
Utilizar a comunicação de forma simples e de fácil compreensão, sem palavras e termos rebuscados ou de entendimento de um segmento exclusivo, faz do diálogo muito mais prazeroso e efetivo. Não esquecendo que, num processo de comunicação, a escuta ativa ainda é o que mais gera conexões.
-
A comunicação clara é essencial para evitar mal-entendidos e para transmitir suas ideias de forma eficaz. Seja direto e conciso em suas mensagens, e certifique-se de que suas intenções e expectativas estão claramente articuladas. A clareza na comunicação também envolve ser transparente sobre seus objetivos e limitações.
-
Clear and effective communication is vital for building trust. Be concise and articulate in your conversations, whether verbal or written. Avoid jargon and be mindful of your tone. Clear communication reduces misunderstandings and shows that you are professional and respectful of others’ time.
Following up after initial meetings is a powerful way to show that you're serious about maintaining a connection. Send a personalized message reiterating your interest in the conversation you had and suggesting a next step, whether it's a coffee meeting or sharing a relevant article. This timely follow-up demonstrates that you value the relationship and are proactive about nurturing it.
-
Where I fall short far too often is in the follow-through. Networking done well should not be a "one-and-done" experience. It should be at best, a symbiotic experience; and at least, pleasant and respectful. It's in the follow-up where the respect can really make an impact. Networking effectively is closer to dating, more than any other comparison. Stacey wanted nothing more to do with me when I failed to follow up after our first date, despite it being pleasant. When I tried a calling a week later, she said, "who is this?" Be memorable; be a good listener; ask deep questions; and follow-up. soon!
-
Following up after a networking event is crucial. Don't let the connection fade. Send a personalized email or message to reinforce the connection, offer to connect them with other relevant contacts, or follow up on a point of interest raised during your conversation. Consistent follow-up demonstrates that you value the connection and are committed to building a meaningful relationship.
-
Após uma interação inicial, é importante acompanhar para manter a conexão viva. Envie um e-mail ou mensagem agradecendo pelo tempo e pela conversa, e sugira formas de continuar a interação. Isso mostra que você valoriza a relação e está interessado em mantê-la.
-
Follow-Ups brings you the Power of Proactive Connection Maintenance. For TPOs, Consistency is key in follow-ups. If you don't receive a response right away, don't be discouraged. A polite, persistent follow-up can sometimes be necessary to keep the conversation alive. However, balance is crucial—ensure your follow-ups are respectful and spaced appropriately to avoid coming across as pushy.
-
I personally love and rely a lot on the TRUST equation, which is: T = (C + R + I) / S T = Trustworthiness (the willingness or ability to rely on others) C = Perception of Credibility (trusting what someone says) R = Perception of Reliability (trusting what someone does) I = Intimacy (entrusting someone with something) S = Perception of Self-Orientation (self-awareness and focus, i.e., whether your focus is primarily on yourself or others).
-
People know when you truly care about them and their future. Encourage them to be reflective during the entire process. Learning from each interview, phone call and reflect on the messaging behind the employer's words. Reflect and see if their message aligns with your values.
-
Para generar credibilidad y confianza al establecer contactos con nuevos contactos en tu sector es importante recordar que el networking es una estrategia a largo plazo que hay que cultivar frecuentemente. Para ello, es importante mostrar un interés genuino hacia tus contactos, entender qué es importante para ellos, escuchar para después poder proponer o compartir información que sea de su interés y relevante para su situación. La escucha y la personalización de tus interacciones potenciará tu credibilidad y confianza.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
Interpersonal SkillsHere's how you can effectively follow up with new networking contacts.
-
Business EnglishHow do you maintain and nurture your existing network relationships?
-
Business NetworkingHow can you maintain a relationship with your networking contact after the first meeting?
-
Relationship BuildingHere's how you can avoid common networking mistakes when building professional relationships.