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Networking: Definition, strategies and tips for success 🀝🏼

RΓ©dacteur Elsa
Elsa Ducrotverdun
Responsable Marketing
19/3/2025
Illustration from the blog post about business cards

Networking, or professional networking, is an essential practice for expanding your network, strengthening your credibility and giving a boost to your career or business.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, employee or self-employed person, mastering the art of networking well can have a major impact on your professional career.

In France, networking plays a particular role in many sectors, creating opportunities for exchange, learning and collaboration.

In this article, discover a complete definition of networking, its advantages, and effective strategies to shine in this increasingly essential art!

1.What is networking?

β€œNetworking” refers to all actions aimed at creating, developing and maintaining a network of professional contacts.

This can be done in various contexts: networking events, informal meetings, seminars, conferences, or even on social networks.

The goals of networking

Networking isn't just about exchanging business cards; it also aims to:

  • Sharing information and advice
  • Develop collaboration opportunities
  • Receiving support and encouragement
  • Establishing lasting relationships of trust

To get the most out of each interaction, set clear goals: why do you want to meet this person, what can you offer them, what do you hope to learn or gain from this exchange, etc.

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The benefits of professional networking

  1. Access to new opportunities :
    The networking can open unexpected doors!
    Whether it's a partnership, a new customer or a new career, each contact can bring an opportunity.
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  2. Skills development :
    Meeting experienced professionals allows you to learn, exchange best practices, and be inspired to evolve in your sector.
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  3. Increased visibility :
    By regularly participating in networking events, you increase the visibility of your company or your
    Being recognized and appreciated in your network can accelerate the growth of your business!
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  4. Support and encouragement :
    A good network is a valuable resource in times of challenges or doubts.
    Receiving feedback and encouragement boosts self-confidence and promotes long-term success.

πŸ‘‰ tip :
Cardynale offers a solution to improve the networking of sales teams, thus simplifying the management of prospects and optimizing the chances of success via a dashboard, an application and NFC business cards.

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voir les cartes de visite nfc cardynale

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2. How to do networking?

Participate in events

Events are ideal opportunities to meet other professionals, share experiences, and create new relationships.
In France, you can attend conferences, trade shows, business breakfasts, networking evenings, or sectoral meetings.

Tips for maximizing your interactions:

  • Get ready :
    Learn about the participants and speakers. Identify the people you would like to meet and prepare a few questions.
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  • Be authentic :
    Engage in genuine conversations and show interest in others. Avoid superficial exchanges.
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  • Follow up :
    After the event, send a thank-you email or connect on LinkedIn to keep the relationship going.

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Use professional social networks

LinkedIn, in particular, is a powerful tool for networking.
It allows you to connect with professionals from around the world, to interact with experts in your sector, and to participate in enriching discussions.

Tips for effective networking on LinkedIn:

  • Optimize your profile :
    Make sure your profile is complete and polished, with a quality photo, a compelling summary, and detailed experiences.
    ‍
  • Be active :
    Comment, share articles, and participate in relevant discussion groups to maintain your visibility.
    ‍
  • Customize your connection requests :
    Add a message to explain why you want to connect, this will make the process more human and engaging.

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profil linkedin elsa
LinkedIn profile example


Join professional associations

Professional associations offer networking opportunities while keeping you up to date with the latest trends in your sector.

In France, these associations regularly organize events, workshops and seminars.

3. The usefulness of NFC business cards to develop your network

An innovation in digital networking

Les business cards connected in NFC bring a modern and practical touch to networking.
Unlike conventional paper cards, these cards allow an instant transfer of your contact details via a simple contact with a smartphone.

  • Environmentally friendly : These cards eliminate the need for paper and contribute to an eco-responsible approach. 🌱
    ‍
  • Practices : Your contact details are directly integrated into the smartphone of your interlocutor, which reduces the risk of loss.
    ‍
  • Moderns : They reinforce your image by showing that you are at the forefront of digital innovations.
    ‍
  • Interactions : They allow you to include direct links to your LinkedIn profile, website, portfolio or any other online medium.
    You can even add them to your Wallet !

πŸ‘‰ For salespeople, have a business card with custom qr code is a major asset in impressing and facilitating the exchange of contacts, ensuring more effective follow-up.
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4. How to avoid the pitfalls of networking?

Avoid opportunistic networking

Authentic networking is based on genuine and reciprocal relationships.
Don't network just to benefit from others; bring value in return too!

Do not neglect follow-ups

Send a follow-up message after each meeting to thank the person and strengthen the bond.
This small gesture makes all the difference.

Maintaining a professional demeanor

Whether in person or online, stay professional and respectful.
This will increase your credibility and make your interactions more positive.

5. Virtual networking: a new dimension

Virtual events and webinars

With the rise of remote working and digital tools, virtual networking has become essential.
Online webinars and conferences allow you to connect with professionals from around the world without leaving your desk.

  • Get ready : Learn about the participants and the topics of discussion.
    ‍
  • Take an active part : Engage in discussions and share experiences.
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  • Use chat tools : Take advantage of chat and document sharing options to exchange information.

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rΓ©server un appel avec Cardynale

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What you need to remember πŸ“

Networking has a capital importance In the professional world, because it allows everyone to develop your network, to exchange with experts and to explore new growth opportunities.

Whether through LinkedIn, of networking evenings, of professional events or connected business cards, there are many wherewithal to create and maintain lasting relationships.

A good networking is not limited to a simple Exchange of addresses or to a first contact during an event.
He consists To build a network strategically, taking into account his marketplace, of sound Professional circle and the opportunities it can offer in the long term.

Today, platforms like LinkedIn, of social networks dedicated to business, and even local networks allow Networker effectively and in Real time.

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To find out more about the main networking tools, you can consult This article.

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As part of a successful networking strategy, several elements are wrenches :

βœ… Take care of your online presence On a website, a LinkedIn page or other platforms of social networking.

βœ… Mastering networking techniques, whether in a professional framework or during a Networking training.

βœ… Know how to capture attention and establish a climate of trust With its colleagues, patrons, partners and peers.

βœ… Taking advantage of new technologies, like the Software-defined networking And the NFC cards, to optimize its network access and facilitate the linking With a Large number of contacts.

crΓ©er sa carte de visite virtuelle

Also know that networking is not limited to professional life : it also affects the personal network, which plays a major role in growth of a project or a career.

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You have to know pick its interactions, learn to share his ideas and use each occasion to build a network relevant.

Finally, succeed in the Networking in French or in English, on facebook, LinkedIn or in a Business evening, involves a real mastery ofthe relational and a good understanding of techniques used by entrepreneurs And the business leaders.

‍Work its network, is investing in your future and in his potential.

So why not get started today?

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