By Brenda Weathers Hargroves

Networking is critical to career success whether you’re an entrepreneur, or if you work for someone else. Yet building and nurturing relationships can be challenging steps to climb. And like anything worthwhile, it takes time to make meaningful connections. Of the many networking pointers I’ve learned over the years, six suggestions readily come to mind that relate to successful networking.

1. Be Selective When Seeking Connections

Networking, while important for success, often competes with your ability to address other aspects of your business or responsibilities. Should you attend a community meet-and-greet or work on that project with an impending deadline? Deciding where and when to exert energy on networking can be tricky, but in general, try to attend activities or events related to your field of interest or your intended audience. On the other hand, we often run into folks in other places. The grocery store comes to mind. Sometimes, by simply being present, you may run into someone you’ve been meaning to reach out to or a colleague with whom you’ve lost contact.

This brings me to another point. Once you connect with someone you think might fit into your networking circle, make an effort to solidify the association. Meeting folks and collecting business cards won’t cut it. If you don’t take the next step to solidify the relationship, you’ve done nothing but waste precious time.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Reveal Your Vulnerabilities

We all need help with or lack information about something. Don’t feel as though you have to be the expert in the room. You will often find solutions to your issues by discussing them. When you meet people, ask questions. Most often, others are willing to share their knowledge. And those who aren’t should not be a part of your networking circle.

3. Listening Is A Most Valuable Tool

I’m always amazed by people who don’t hardly let you finish relating a thought before they jump into the conversation with their side of the story. No interest, questions or comments concerning what you just said. Don’t be the person who simply hears long enough to determine the perfect moment to interject instead of actually listening to and responding to what another person is saying. And remember, those who listen are learners.

4. Be The Bearer of Good Gossip

Remember John Lewis’ term good trouble? Well, there’s such a thing as good gossip. Have you heard something that might benefit one or your contacts? Or during an initial conversation, have you thought of an interesting piece of news that might interest the person you’re talking to? Pass those tidbits along. Bad gossip can be destructive, whereas good gossip can be relevant and useful.

5. Remain Consistent In Your Branding

Know who you are and what you have to offer at all times. Be humble in your dealings with people, but remain true to yourself, your worth, and your beliefs. And strive to be reliable. Folks will take notice when they can depend on you.

6. Collaborate, Collaborate, Collaborate

Opportunities for beneficial partnerships or collaboration often occur as a result of networking. Assess your business or career efforts to determine your strengths and weaknesses. For example, small business owners often lack the skills needed to market their product. Can you collaborate with another entity to produce results that benefit both parties? Partnerships don’t always have to relate to business matters. They could also be personal in nature. A myriad of outside-the-box arrangements can be established if you use your imagination.

I struggled with whether I should list this tip separately, but ultimately decided it really falls under the collaborate category. Whatever, the point is this. Become a source for referrals. One thing my sister said about me was that I always seemed to know a guy or girl. That’s because I pay attention to the skills folks in my networking circle have to offer and will readily offer recommendations. A genuine desire to help others through referral only adds value to your relationships. And many times, the favor is returned.