3. Networking tips

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Make a habit out of networking to impact your personal and professional development, to create sustainable (=long-term) relationships, as well as maintain your abilities to communicate with people from different environments or cultures.

Here are some tips!

• You are who you choose to be, so pay attention to the way you present yourself.
• Be an active listener and pay attention to the message(s) of your audience.
• Adjust your language to the language of your audience.
• Be sincere and demonstrate a friendly approach to your listeners.
• Provide straightforward responses, using simple language so you are well understood.
• Be in the right places to benefit from the opportunities to meet new people and enrich your experience.
• Keep focus when interacting with people and prioritize your activities.
• Find possibilities to meet with people to build your network of contact.
• Appreciate and be empathetic, sharing thoughts and expressing your opinion.
• Demonstrate confidence but don’t be too pushy.
• Ask the right questions to receive good feedback.
• Pay attention to body language, which may speak more than words.
• Maintain eye contact (or not – depending on the culture of your audience).
• Stay in touch with your network of contacts.
• Remain positive and keep in mind that networking is a long-term investment.
• Think outside the box and be original, but adjust to the situation.
• Plan, practice and improve your networking strategy, for instance with your colleagues.