Whether or not we are in a recession depends on your perspective, but, more and more people feel that we are.  Why are some people totally unaffected by the downturn and others devastated?  As strange as this may sound, it’s the business skills you possess that to a large degree determine whether you participate in this recession, or prosper.  

There are two skills critical to your success that if you have mastered, you will prosper.  If not, you may be a full participant in this economy.  These skills are the ability to develop a robust network of business contacts, and the second is the ability to clearly, and persuasively present your ideas.

What is business networking?
Networking is a very misunderstood aspect of business.  It is simply communicating with people with the objective of establishing a business relationship.  The easiest way to look at networking is a simple exchange of energy.  This energy may be in the form of personal energy, information, data or other things of value.  It’s both and art and a skill.

Why is networking important?
No one individual can know all the answers, or be good at solving every problem, but, a carefully constructed network of friends and associates can.  Your ability to succeed depends to a very large degree on the rapport you establish with key individuals in your life.  Think about that for a bit.

In business networking we are consciously looking to assemble a network of people that can assist us in succeeding in business.  In real estate for example, an agent may band together with other agents to help each other with open houses, finding listings, or closing sales.  They may also band together with tangential businesses such as lending institutions, title companies, home inspection services, and many others that may be involved in the sale of homes.  Together, this group is far stronger then one individual agent.

What are the benefits of business networking?
People buy from or refer to people they like and trust. The only way to establish this level of trust is through face-to-face interaction. Think of it this way: would you have married your spouse after reading a brochure about him or her, or receiving a persuasive letter? Of course not! The same thing applies to business. It takes face-to-face interactions in a relaxed environment to develop and deepen rapport.  

With a deep base of networking contacts, you can find the credit you need, employees to hire, a job for you, business intelligence, barter contacts, or advice in a multitude of areas.  Nothing can take the place of a wide range of trusted business contacts.  It is the most valuable thing you can own.

The ability to present your case
The ability to speak clearly, confidently and persuasively in any situation is perhaps the most highly compensated skill in business.  It is the single most important skill a leader can have.  It is the single most important skill a salesperson can have also.  And it is not a coincidence that many times the very best salesperson in the company eventually becomes the CEO.

People skilled in presenting themselves and their ideas leave no stone unturned.  They have learned how their body language affects their message as well as how they dress.  No detail is too small.  The precision of their language is laser-like in its effectiveness.  They understand how much the words they use matter, as well as their vocal inflections.  They are not nervous because of how they can focus their mind on their audience.  They are masters of any situation.

You have seen these people because important people get to be seen.  You too can learn these skills; it only takes intent and a little focus.  And, think about this; if you do not learn these skills, you may end up working for someone who has.

Source: Articlesbase; the author is a freelance writer. The views expressed by the author in this feature are entirely his/her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of SME Times.