Out of all the numerous benefits of networking, the sharing of knowledge is perhaps the most beneficial one. Developing relationships and offering assistance to others accomplishes more than just generating referrals and bringing you potential clients.

A good network can also bring you opportunities for betterment, personal development, and job leads. You may identify new joint ventures, partnerships, or areas of expansion for your business – and many of these opportunities you would never have found any other way. It’s one of the top resources for career development and professional success in our modern world.

Read on to find 5 tips for networking success.

1. Identify what you want

Before you attend a networking event, ask yourself some questions. What are your goals? What do you want to accomplish? Who else is attending the event? Pinpointing these answers will help give you a strategy. Once you know who is attending, you can decide who you want to meet before you get there. You can do some research, find out their interests or some common ground so that you aren’t left tongue-tied or awkward in conversation.

2. Be prepared

Take the time to get organized before an event. Practice a spiel that is short and to the point, but informative at the same time. Have any materials you want to show or pass out close to hand to avoid awkward fumbling. If at all possible, make your explanation as engaging as possible. Practice in front of a mirror if you need to, to get more comfortable with it.

3. Body language speaks louder than words

Not everyone is a natural born networker. Most of us may find it difficult to start a conversation with someone new. Anxiety can come to the fore and wreck your chances before they’ve become possibilities. In this case, the best thing to do is fake it till you make it. Look people in the eye, smile, and offer a firm handshake. If you’re nervous, ask them about themselves. Speak up, keep a straight posture, and communicate warmly. The rest will follow in time.

4. Always follow up

No matter how great a first meeting you may have had, people and life get busy. Don’t let too much time pass without following up or you risk losing the initial connection. Within a few hours of meeting them, send them an email or LinkedIn request with a short message to remind them who you are and what your conversation was about. This furthers the connection and opens a line of communication that will make it easier to stay in touch in the future.

5. Look for opportunities to help

Last but not least, never forget that networking is not just about what you get from it. The best networkers are always on the lookout for ways to assist others. Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities to refer others or let them know when you meet someone who has what they need. If you are known to be helpful, people will be that much happier to do the same for you.