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Do's and Don'ts of Networking

Written by: Sheryl Nicholson

Article Overview: Do you oversell when you're out networking? Did you go just for the food and maybe free drink? Do you pull out more than one card? Are you dressed correctly when you go out networking? Funny Networking Poem created after watching the unsuccessful attempt to network and they simply need simple tips and a few adjustments to turn that diaster into a success.

Do's and Don'ts of Networking

Do's and Don'ts of Networking

I always enjoy speaking at networking events. I get there an hour early to set up everything for my presentation and then I stand in the back of the room and watch people enter.

Here's the opportunity for them to rub shoulders and minds with other professionals and yet the most common thing that is done...a hesitation when entering, a "look see" for anyone they recognize, and then a beeline to that person and a flip of a napkin on the back of their chair to guarantee a "safe seat". What a poor investment!

The goal for networking is to EXPAND and EXCELLERATE opportunities to be of service to others. By far, being a resource of knowledge to connect others with those that can help is a much better position to hold than the "salesperson" who's pitching their stuff.

Business haschanged dramatically.At one meeting thiswoman had 4 different business cards holders and had to decide which one to give me. At this same meeting a man came up and confronted me with his brochure in my face and quickly told me about all the features of his business. I was looking for a plug I could pull to stop the recording! So in honor of them...I wrote this poem....

The Unproductive Networker

I'm an unproductive networker

I have cards up the wazoo

No one wants to talk to me

Or ask me what I do

I just can't understand it

Don't know whatthe problem is

I have cards of many colors

For that and that and this

I sell insurance and juices

I have vitamins galore

I set up websites on the side

And I sell candles in my store

I teach yoga in my spare time

And help smokers who want to quit

I groom doggies on the weekends

And I even clean up ...sh.....oot

I work hard all day and nite

And I'm dedicated too

I want to have that real success

For me and also you

So won't someone please help me

And tell me what to do

I'm open to receive advice

I'm listening to you

So let me give you somequick do's and don'ts to prepareyou when networking.

DO - Think about the PURPOSE of the meeting you are attending. Who's going to be there? How can you be a resource to that audience of people? Havethat one card ready to give out and only that card.

DON'T - Takeout every card of every business you represent. It only looks like you are scattered and not focused or serious about doing business.

DO - Ask more questions about what theother person is looking for and why they came to this particular meeting.

DON'T - Pitch your product or services. Nobody is going to get their check book out and order and pay tonight.Be patient and realizepeople do business with people they like and know - so focus moreon getting to know that person and the product they represent

DO - Follow up! It amazes me how many people stack their cards and put rubber bands around them and that's it.Can you remember who you sawwhen?Did you call them, write or send an email to maintain a relationship with these people?

I believe if you breathe air you bring a gift to lifes' party. When I walk in a room I can't wait to unwrap those gifts to find commonalities and THEN do business. Try it - it makes networking exciting and FUN!

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Article Tags: beeline, brochure, business cards, colors, hesitation, insurance, juices, nbsp, networker, poem, poor investment, salesperson, shoulders, vitamins, wazoo



Related Forum Posts
Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them! - I agree! Networking is definitely the key word here. What does everyone feel about the different Networking platforms out there? Twitter Facebook LinkedIn what are some others?
Re: How can a social networking site make serious money? - Hi There, It is quite interesting, that some Social Networking do produce an income. I think testimonials are always a benefit to share. See one below: This Social Network has changed my life! Every night is a Friday night and everyday is a Saturday!! Because of it, I have been able to leave the workforce 10 years early.It has given me back my life. Many of us would like to retire early. I am sure there are many more. The point is of focusing with great determination. The ongoing challenge is to stay focussed and not be sidetracked into a newer scheme or so. Also I have read, during this financial turmoil, more people turn to Social Networking for various reasons.
Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them! - [quote="burnsrunner":1zobscwk]I agree! Networking is definitely the key word here. What does everyone feel about the different Networking platforms out there? Twitter Facebook LinkedIn what are some others?[/quote:1zobscwk] I am on Twitter and Linkedin, have not joined Facebook yet as my time is fairly limited and one needs a lot of time to devote to all these various networking platforms. Unless you do this full time (the networking I mean). MichelleJ
Trump Institute - Toronto - I agree, the Networking available at these courses and the people I can connect them with is what I love to do. Also, this one event is a stone's throw away from my place - I can't resist. Oh! I also get to walk away with some new reading material.
Re: Simple Idea - Great Advice. - What your success stories on Social Networking for more contacts and connections? Do you have any good business books to suggest? I love the idea of connecting and sharing with other entrepreneurs. Thank you for your input!


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