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***Isn’t it funny?***

Of all the things taught to us in schools and universities, they left out business networking?

But is it really that important? Let me answer in a few questions that you may have asked yourself before.

##### *"Hey, I am more qualified than Sarah, but how much she's getting that promotion?"*

##### *"What, Clark the dropout got hired? I didn't even get a call for an interview!"*

##### *"That dude don't even know shit about the company products, but he is breaking the quarterly sales records again? That's 3 quarters in a row! How is he getting all those sales?"*


Yup, in business, it's not just what you know, but who you know. I will even add, it's ***who knows you!***

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At the initial stages of your career, it’s okay to not have it, but as you progress up the career ladder, it becomes a real difference maker. Whether you are in sales, marketing, PR or just relationship building, being able to network at any event, conference or seminar will determine your professional, and person success.

**Steemfest** is still many months away, but I'm sure there are many events before that to hone your networking skills, so you can tow in a couple of whales later like a pro! #kidding

Here are three tips for you to help you do better at the next event.



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### TIP 1 | Start with the right compliment

Let’s face it; everybody likes a compliment, especially a good one. But here's the secret: *The really good compliments?* They are always **about the person**. For example, telling someone they have a nice shirt shows that *you* have good taste in fashion. That's still about you, not about them.

Instead, try this. Tell the person that they make the shirt look good. *Now, that’s a compliment about them!* *Catch the difference?*



![](https://i.imgsafe.org/b9/b9ea867d77.jpeg)

### TIP 2 | The right questions unlock all doors

Asking questions is key if you want to get the best out of any networking events. It also gives you insights on the person, allowing you to expand deeper into the conversation. Ask them about their honest opinions on matters and issues, listen attentively and respect their views. Even if you disagree, don’t get into a debate here! The main idea here is to make them feel important.

Plus, it's not a contest of ego, so there's no need to show them how much you know. *John Maxwell* once told me this:

> "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care."



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### TIP 3 | Learn how to play “host”

Truth is, everybody may have their unwarranted fears about meeting new people. The world is filled with more introverts than you think. Once you have broken the ice with someone, bring in a new person into the conversation and introduce each other. This is how the great host and hostess of parties make you feel welcomed at their parties. And chances are, the actual host/hostess will love you so much for being a “connector” of the event!

**So there you have it!** I have a seperate guide for introverts on how to network with a boss, but that's in another post.

Try out one of the tips here and let me know how it works out. Of course, if you have any secrets tricks, feel free to add in the comment here too. 





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*Wait, why's Mav posting on Steemit nowadays?*

Well, unlike other blogging and social media platform, **Steemit** is the only platform that allows me to earn cryptocurrency when I engage with it. Yup, one Steem is about USD1, and you, too, can earn Steem Dollars every time you:

- Create content (articles, blog posts, podcasts, videos, photos)
- Upvote (like) other people contents
- Comment on other people's posts
- Have discussions, share opinions etc!

Yup, basically it's the very same thing you're doing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc all along!

*The only difference?* For once you can earn a nice income on the side!

Sign up for a [free Steemit account](https://steemit.com/pick_account), and you can thank me by coming back and upvoting this article. And guess what, you will earn Steem too for doing that! #awesome

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