There are a lot of ideas out there about how to become a better networker. There always seems to be a new trick or tool that promises to help your networking be more effective and get you more business (heck, I’ve probably given out a few of those). And it doesn’t hurt to have some strategy to your networking.
But the most effective idea for power networking:
Have fun!
Networking is about relationships, and relationships work best between people who are enjoying themselves. Find the fun in learning about other people and their stories. Because the more you do that the stronger the connections will be between you and your networking partners. And the stronger the connections, the more likely you are to find ways to help each other professionally.
It’s easy to see networking as just another activity you have to check off of your to do list, but the reality is that the more you enjoy it, the more you will gain from it.