Good relationships are essential to any career. It doesn’t matter if you have your own business or work for someone else that network is critical. Lawyers, solo professionals, freelancers, and sales professionals must constantly network and generate new business. You prove your worth to your employer by bringing in new business. Those who do not network will not advance their careers as rapidly as those who do. You find your next employer by keeping your network alive and active.
1. Review the names in your address book on a regular basis. Plan to have lunch with one of the people or invite the person to a networking or social function. Work becomes fun when your networking connections become friends and you are likely to do more business.
2. Before you attend a networking event, think of a few topics that would be interesting to discuss with people. Keep the conversation flowing by asking thoughtful questions of the people you meet. That way when you meet a great contact you’ll be able to reference the conversation when you reconnect with them.
3. Using email is a great way to connect with others, but make sure to move on to other methods of communication. Talk to the person by the phone, or if possible get together for coffee and start to build a relationship.
4. Don’t rush the process or expect too much too soon. Networking feels awkward at first and often those who are new at it become discouraged. It becomes easier and more natural after a while. Don’t focus on getting a client/customer/job. Focus on building a relationship.
5. Don't get stuck talking to the same person all evening. You are there to meet several people. Excuse yourself from the present company every five to ten minutes with a pleasantry such as, "It was nice meeting you . " and move on to introduce yourself to someone new.
6. Keep good records of your networking contacts. Whenever you connect with someone online, on the phone, or in person, jot down a few notes to remind you of who they are and what you talked about. Record the ideas you have about working with that person too so you can schedule a future meeting to discuss those ideas.
7. If the event has a speaker or if someone at the event receives an award be sure to acknowledge the person if appropriate. People always appreciate positive reinforcement. You can do this at the networking event or write them a note afterwards.
8. When entering a conversation first listen to how you can help the other people in the group. Don’t try to dominate the conversation or focus it on yourself. Your goal is not to control the conversation but to participate in it. When appropriate offer information about yourself that will be interesting to your new contacts.
9. The purpose of networking events is to make connections not to get business. Ultimately you will get business from it but don’t expect it to happen immediately. Your success rate will improve if you have a give and take attitude. Listen to what other people do and show interest in their work.
10. Some people find networking events a little intimidating. If this happens to you, try attending with a friend who is in a different business so that you can help each other out. You can work as a team, introducing each other and giving testimonials about each others business.
This will build your confidence as well as your credibility to others.
10 Tips To Make Your Networking More Rewarding - To learn more about this author, visit Alvah Parker's Website.
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Alvah Parker
(Visit Alvah's Website)
Alvah Parker is a Practice Advisor (The
Attorneys’ Coach) and a Career Changers’
Coach as well as publisher of "Parker’s
Points", an email tip list and "Road to
Success", an ezine. Subscribe now to
these free monthly publications at her
website www.asparker.com/samples.html
Alvah Parker began her career as a high
school chemistry teacher. She later
transition to a sales career at AT&T. As
a Sales Professional at AT&T for 15 years
she was elected to the prestigious Counsel
of Leaders for the top 3% of the sales
force. After leaving AT&T she
transitioned into a coaching career and
also volunteers as a SCORE Business
Counselor where she advises and counsels
small business owners.
Parker’s Value Program© enables her
clients to find their own way to work that
is more fulfilling and profitable. Her
clients are attorneys and people in
transition who want to find work that is
in line with their own life purpose.
Alvah is found on the web at www.aspar
ker.com. She may also be reached at
781-598-0388.
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