Most folks know that networking is a key to success. We want and need to know people with whom we do business, and most of us enjoy meeting new people for our social circle as well. No "networking" event is, in and of itself, worthwhile. It's what happens afterward that makes the difference.
Networking isn't about getting business on the spot, it's about developing relationships that will lead to business, directly or indirectly, down the road. Networking almost always requires the long-term approach.
But how do you begin?
Joining a "networking group" can be an intimidating step, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some basics to get you started.
•Make time and do it. "Someday" and "later" have a way of never happening.
•Be prepared with something to say. Know what the big news story is, the key sports results, and have a positive or thoughtful comment.
•Be prepared to introduce yourself in 15-20 seconds. Without stumbling. This is usually called the "elevator speech." Make it interesting. If it's boring to say, it's boring to hear.
•Carry business cards and have them easily accessible.....
•....But don't offer indiscriminately them at the beginning of a conversation! It's far better to chat for a while, to know someone about the person, and then to ask for his or her business card.
What if, horror of horrors, they don't reciprocate and ask for yours? Not a problem. Send them one when you follow up after the event.
•When someone offers you a business card, look at it before you put it away. A card is our tangible persona. Notice it, accord it due respect, and then carefully put it away.
•Pay attention to the conversation. Don't be one of the "power networkers" always looking over the shoulder of your conversational companion, looking for someone more interesting.
•Listen. Really listen. When your companion is talking, that's your signal to listen to what they're saying, not to be composing your witty rejoinder. Listening is the antidote for nervousness, especially for introverts, because your entire focus is on the speaker - and his focus is on himself, too!
•Think about how you can help the person you're talking with. Make a contact, offer a lead, or just ask how you might recognize a terrific potential client/customer for her.
•Don't assume someone you're talking to can't help you. A conversation may not lead directly to business, but you have no idea who that person may know or where they'll end up next.
•Set your intentions before you go (i.e., I will leave with 3 business cards of people I plan to contact again). And aim for quality over quantity.
•Follow up afterward.
If you use these tactics, your first networking meeting will be a successful and, perhaps, even an enjoyable event that will encourage you to keep coming back.
Start Networking Today - To learn more about this author, visit Julie Fleming-Brown's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
 |
Related Articles |
|
 Networking Tips for Introverts or How to Break The Ice Without Fear of Falling Through
|
| |
Do you “freeze up” when you are in a room full of people with some great networking opportunities? Are you timid, shy, and bashful around people at business and social gatherings? If you admitted that this descrip...
|
|
Networking Reluctance Does Not Have to Be Fatal
|
| |
Many people who sell find themselves dreading it, doing it stressfully and being reluctant with networking. This is one of a series of articles to turn networking misconceptions into better understandings.
|
|
Networking Mistake Myopia
|
| |
Many people who sell find themselves dreading it, doing it stressfully and being reluctant with networking. This is one of a series of articles to turn networking misconceptions into better understandings - and sale...
|
|
The Difference Between Networking and Selling
|
| |
If you confuse networking with selling you will almost certainly end up earning less than you should.
|
|
Endless Referrals
|
| |
The intent and theme of Bob Burg's book, "Endless Referrals" is how to get people to know you, like you, and trust you. They should also want to see you succeed, and want to help you to find new business.
|
|
|
Julie Fleming-Brown
(Visit Julie's Website)
Julie Fleming-Brown, J.D., A.C.C. provides
business and executive coaching with an
emphasis on business development,
leadership development, time mastery and
organization, and work/life integration.
Julie holds a coaching certificate from
the Georgetown Leadership Coaching program
and holds the Associate Certified Coach
(ACC) credential from the International
Coach Federation. She is certified to
administer the DISC(r) assessment, the
Leadership Circle Profile 360, and the
Leadership Culture Survey.
To learn more, to subscribe to Julie's
monthly email newsletter The DLR Report,
or to request a complimentary consultation
with Julie, please visit www.DynamicLeadershipResults.com/ or call her at 800.758.6214.
|
|
|
Julie Fleming-Brown's
Complete
List Of
Business-Coach
Articles
|
|
|
If you enjoyed this article, get Julie Fleming-Brown's Complete List of Business-Coach Articles For FREE!
|
| |
|
|
|
![[Get Copyright Permissions]](http://license.icopyright.net/images/icopy-w.gif){kind=small}
