Many folks are daunted by the networking events that we are going to. We feel swamped by folks just looking to get money from us, and we rarely feel like the event was worth our time. Yet networking should be one of the finest paths to bring in new business. The key is learning to network in the right way. Even those among us who enjoy networking should remember the following proven rules of effective networking.
1. Give and then Get – If you approach a networking meeting with a what is in it for me? perspective, you’ll be just like all those sharks that have kept you away from networking to start with. Go to a networking event hunting for chances to help others.When you give this way, your get is always bigger.
2. Please No Fishing – Loosen it up just a bit for shaking a lady’s hand, but never go soft.
3. Direct Eye Contact – Don’t ever stare at someone, but always make efforts to meet their gawk.Someone who steadily averts his will be seen as somebody with guilty secrets.
4. Dress Professionally – The old adage about making a first impression is still true. As a rule of thumb, dress one step above what you believe everybody else will be wearing. It can never hurt you to look as good as the next best dressed person in the room.
5. Have a half a minute minute Commercial -Ever met somebody at a networking event, talked to them about their business the entire night, and left without knowing what in the world they do? It occurs all of the time. Don’t forget to state obviously what it is that you do and who are looking to work with.
6. Write on Business Cards – As you meet folks, write information about them down on their business cards. It’s just about very unlikely to recollect all those tiny details about the people you meet, and nobody will mind if you’re so inquisitive about what they have to claim that you are bothering to jot it down.
7. Make a Cataloging System – As quickly as you get back to your office, file your new business cards in an accessible way. I like to recommend that clients staple business cards to 3×5 cards and then write down all the important info you can. Include on the 3×5 the name of the person, where and when you met her, what she appears to be, and what you discussed. Next time you see her, she’s going to be terribly impressed that you recalled so many details.
8. Nice Meeting You Cards – It is never a bad idea to send a new contact a fast card that asserts nice meeting you. Include your card as well in case they have misplaced the one you gave them at the networking event.
9. Follow Up! This step is vital – If you have told a contact that you would help them in any way, be certain to chase up instantly. Do this doggedly, and you’ll be regarded as a man of his word. Don’t chase up on your guarantees, and you’ll be seen as untrustworthy and untruthful.
10. Listen- The no.1 rule of networking is to listen. Actually, you should be talking about 30% of the time. We all love to speak about ourselves, and if you give your contacts the opportunity to do that they are going to think quite highly of you without even realizing why. Following these rules of effective networking shouldn’t only make your experiences more pleasurable, but will help you bring in new business leads time and time again.
Recent Comments