Have you noticed how some people are really good at communication. Over the years I have attended numerous seminars and meetings and usually there is someone who is an outstanding communicator.

I have always envied the way these people will be the first to ask a question, enter a discussion and start networking.

Some people are naturally good communicators. They don’t appear to have to make a special effort. They simply like people and being with people. They collect people.

Most of us shy away from this type of interaction. I used to.

We tend to have our circle of friends with whom we are comfortable and in regular communication, but acquaintances we tend to keep at arms length. We seem to butt up against blocks to effective communication and networking.

* What’s the point?

* I’ve managed with out networking up till now.

* I am not confident communicating with strangers.

* I don’t think anyone would be interested in me so I find difficulty in selling myself.

* Other people don’t really interest me.

* I can communicate well when it is about a product or service but not about myself.

* What is networking?

* How do I begin to do it?

* How do I know what events to go to?

Some of the above are sure to be familiar.

Natural networkers seem to have a sixth sense about communication, an instinct that makes it easy for them to relate to people they meet.

Most of us are too busy being judgemental and choosing who we would like to know.

We have to break this tendency, become better communicators and thus able to network effectively.

Networking can be daunting but if you join your professional organisation or interest group you will soon start to meet people that interest you and may even inspire you.

So how do you improve communication skills and become good at networking.

* Know yourself, know what you have to offer. If necessary make a list of your expertise, skills, experiences, training, qualities and attributes. Don’t be coy you will find you are more capable than you thought – that will breed confidence.

* When introducing yourself try to personable and interesting, be clear, specific and distinctive – you want them to remember you.

* Be prepared to meet new people – step out of your comfort zone.

* Focus so that you are an attentive listener. Good communication is more about listening, asking questions that show interest, rather than talking too much.

* Build your confidence so that you can communicate comfortably about yourself and your business.

* At all times be polite, approachable and interested.

* Before going to a networking event, prepare, think it through, what are you going to try to achieve?

* Don’t wait for people to remember you, re-introduce yourself.

* Enjoy it!

When you have a few good networking friends guess what – they will network for you because they can’t resist communicating so they talk about the good, capable people they know.

Let them do it for you but make sure you are totally responsive to any introductions that come your way.

You see this just one reason why communication is important – get good at it.

A bore is a person who lights up a room simply by leaving it.

Best wishes,

Michael Harrison.

You can contact me at anytime on Bulletin@be-your-own-business-expert.com If you think this article would interest a friend or collegue please feel free to pass it on.

Use it on your web site or in your publications. All you have to do is place the following 'resource box' after each article.