Being in an industry that is not only competitive but has a very large scale is hard to conquer. Building your empire requires friendships, trust, and time. Networking is not only about trading information, but also serves as an avenue to create long-term relationships with mutual benefits. 

Networking is the sharing of information or services between people, businesses, or groups. It is also a way for individuals to grow their relationships for their job or business. As a result, connections or a network can be built and useful for individuals in their professional or personal lives. Networking is one thing. But to be able to utilize it is another. Here are a few tips to help you network so you can increase your net worth!

Tip 1: Social Media and online presence 

Without the pressure of a face-to-face meeting for which you may be unprepared, social networking is an efficient approach to get to know critical contacts better. Within your LinkedIn profile, Google Plus, Twitter, and other social media platforms look for like-minded or key contacts you'd like to learn more about. Start a dialogue with them by commenting on a link they post or reacting to a comment they make, and offer them something in return. It will be easier to refer to earlier communications with them when you have the opportunity to see them in person. Make sure your online profile is up to date at all times. Consumers frequently utilize social networking networks to investigate possible options, as well as to verify their qualifications and expertise. 

Tip 2: Importance of Linkedin 

You're not getting the most out of LinkedIn if you've joined but haven't filled up any of the more thorough descriptions of yourself. It's all about community involvement. And the more information you provide in your profile, the more information future clients, HR managers, and friends will have about you. Simply said, your LinkedIn profile is search engine optimized (SEO), which means the more information about your background, recommendations you've received, and excellent relationships you have, the fewer hurdles there are for a stranger to learn about you. However, there are a few more features on LinkedIn that you should be aware of to get the most out of your experience.

LinkedIn, which was founded in May 2003, has experienced the most rapid growth in recent years. It has grown from 30 million users in early 2008 to over 75 million members around the world. The true usefulness of LinkedIn is in discovering the hidden connections that exist between your network and the rest of the world. There aren't many social tools or games, which is a positive thing because you won't get lost in all the options as you may on other sites. However, in order to be effective on Linkedin, you must have a complete profile and a strategy in place. Your LinkedIn connections are distinct from your Facebook friends and Twitter followers. This should be just a business relationship, so think about what you're saying and posting before you share it! While some sites, such as Twitter, are more concerned with the number of followers, LinkedIn should be viewed as a place where quality connections need to be made. It's important to have those personal connections.

Tip 3: Find a reason to follow up

Create a cause to keep the relationship going if you want to establish rapport with someone. If you come across information that adds to a conversation you had during a networking meeting, save it and email it to them along with a brief note about what you found interesting and how you believe it could help them. Attempt to reconnect with people of your network at least two or three times every year.

This not only keeps you in touch with others but is a great way to plan another meeting together, have their contact information, and have the liberty to contact them whenever in need.

Tip 4: Power of a handshake 

In-person networking and having that human connection are better than anything. This old-fashioned method has been done for the past decades and can’t go wrong. Meeting a stranger and instantly clicking with them makes networking and socializing a whole lot easier. 

One of the key purposes of networking is to tap into the network of the individuals you're meeting with, rather than just meeting one or two people. Each person you meet will know roughly another 200 people, and if you can get introductions to a few of these people, you can quickly expand your network and boost your chances of making a really useful connection. Inquire with your contacts to see if they can recommend a professional organization or provide you with the names of some persons you should speak with.

Using these 4 tips will put you on the road to successful connections. You can keep a pulse on the job market, remain up to date on current trends, and meet potential clients, partners, and mentors. In addition to helping you grow and improve your abilities, networking gives you access to the tools you need to advance your profession!