Business has experienced a ‘networking renaissance’ in the past few years. No longer considered an activity for too-smooth operators, networking in the 21st century has come of age.

Unlike previous models, today’s sophisticated networkers look for events where they can expect to meet like-minded people and to create mutually beneficial alliances.

This revival of networking has been successful due to an emphasis on building supportive business relationships. Here are some key concepts to help you create these relationships and maximise the success of your networking efforts.

1) Give and you will receive

People who network effectively generally have strong human relationship skills, give freely and work to generate supportive networks. These people reach their personal goals by helping others to achieve.

2) Create a referral network

The second element of successful networking is to create a referral network to build contacts for you. This can be achieved by creating strategic alliances with professionals who may or may not need your business directly, but who have the potential to spread the word on your behalf, as you can do for them.

3) Deliver what you promise

It is essential to make a good impression with the people that you deal with on both a personal and professional level. Always ensure the quality of your offering matches what you promise it will deliver and that you operate openly and ethically. This creates the trust and goodwill essential in forming long-term relationships.

4) Be aware of your body language

People communicate on many levels. Understanding comes, not only from what you say, but also what your body language conveys.  When body language indicates ulterior motives or mixed messages, the receiver does not feel valued and does not trust the verbal information they receive. The key is to genuinely consider how you can help people achieve their goals and your body language will convey this.

5) Listen and learn

Finally, the most important thing you can do to build a relationship is to really listen to what the other person has to say. Effective networking relies on supportive two-way communication based on listening to other people and valuing their needs.