What are the most effective ways to help an executive improve networking skills?

Networking is a vital skill for any executive who wants to grow their influence, expand their opportunities, and build meaningful relationships. However, not everyone is naturally comfortable or confident in reaching out to new contacts, following up with existing ones, or engaging in conversations that showcase their value. As a personal coach, you can help your executive clients improve their networking skills by following these effective strategies.

1 Assess their networking style

Before you can help your clients improve their networking skills, you need to understand their current strengths and weaknesses, preferences and challenges, and goals and motivations. You can use various tools and methods to assess their networking style, such as surveys, quizzes, feedback, role-playing, or self-reflection. Based on the results, you can identify the areas that need improvement, the opportunities that suit their style, and the best practices that match their personality.

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Maik Hellen

Dein Gesicht, dein Schicksal- Spiegel dich in deiner Zukunft. Führung, Beruf, Familie- Erkenne was wirklich zählt!
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Die Verbesserung der Networking-Fähigkeiten einer Führungskraft kann durch gezieltes Coaching unterstützt werden. Nutze Gesichtslesen und Körpersprache, um die zwischenmenschliche Dynamik zu verstehen. Biete praxisnahe Übungen an, um Kommunikationsfertigkeiten zu schärfen und das Selbstbewusstsein zu stärken. Betone die Bedeutung von Authentizität und Empathie im Networking. Individuelle Feedback-Sitzungen helfen, Stärken und Bereiche zur Verbesserung zu identifizieren.

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2 Teach them the basics of networking

Networking is not just about exchanging business cards or sending LinkedIn requests. It is about building trust, rapport, and value with others. You can teach your clients the basics of networking, such as how to research potential contacts, how to craft a compelling introduction, how to ask open-ended questions, how to listen actively, how to follow up effectively, and how to maintain contact over time. You can also provide them with tips and resources on how to overcome common networking challenges, such as shyness, anxiety, or lack of time.

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Katrina Murphy, ACC, hBSc.

Solving Executive Burnout | Guiding Successful Gen-Xers From Overload to Fulfillment, Clarity + Impact | Follow for Real Strategies on Success & Fulfillment | Executive Well-Being Coach
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Networking is about relationship-building. Creating relationships where each individual feels heard and understood is key. In this way, relationships rooted in effective communication, empathy and authenticity, form the foundation for great connections.

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3 Help them create a networking plan

A networking plan is a roadmap that guides your clients on how to achieve their networking goals. It helps them focus on the quality and quantity of their contacts, the frequency and mode of their interactions, and the value and outcomes of their relationships. You can help your clients create a networking plan by helping them define their networking purpose, identify their target audience, select their networking platforms, schedule their networking activities, and measure their networking results.

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4 Encourage them to practice and experiment

The best way to improve any skill is to practice and experiment. You can encourage your clients to practice and experiment with their networking skills by providing them with opportunities and feedback. You can create or suggest networking events, groups, or communities that align with their interests and goals. You can also coach them on how to prepare for, participate in, and follow up on these networking opportunities. You can also give them constructive feedback on their performance, progress, and areas for improvement.

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5 Inspire them to network with purpose and passion

Networking is not only a skill, but also an attitude. You can inspire your clients to network with purpose and passion by helping them discover and communicate their unique value proposition, their personal brand, and their vision. You can also help them cultivate a positive mindset, a growth mindset, and a gratitude mindset that will enhance their networking experience. You can also motivate them to network with authenticity, generosity, and curiosity that will attract and retain their contacts.

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6 Support them throughout their networking journey

Networking is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. You can support your clients throughout their networking journey by being their accountability partner, their sounding board, and their cheerleader. You can help them track their networking goals, review their networking actions, and celebrate their networking achievements. You can also help them overcome their networking challenges, learn from their networking mistakes, and adapt to their networking changes.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Katrina Murphy, ACC, hBSc.

Solving Executive Burnout | Guiding Successful Gen-Xers From Overload to Fulfillment, Clarity + Impact | Follow for Real Strategies on Success & Fulfillment | Executive Well-Being Coach
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There are often road-blocks to effective networking such as low confidence or low measures of emotional intelligence. These aspects will affect engagement, communication and their ability to form connections. Without some measure of connection, there can be no relationship. In this way, an assessment of the professional with the intent to gain insight into potential blocks and barriers, will be essential.

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What are the most effective ways to help an executive improve networking skills?

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3

4

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1 Assess their networking style

2 Teach them the basics of networking

3 Help them create a networking plan

4 Encourage them to practice and experiment

5 Inspire them to network with purpose and passion

6 Support them throughout their networking journey

7 Here’s what else to consider

Personal Coaching

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What are the most effective ways to help an executive improve networking skills?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess their networking style

2 Teach them the basics of networking

3 Help them create a networking plan

4 Encourage them to practice and experiment

5 Inspire them to network with purpose and passion

6 Support them throughout their networking journey

7 Here’s what else to consider

Personal Coaching

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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