Business Networking is for the Birds.

Guest post by: Thomas J. Madden
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IS BIGGER BETTER IN PR? - By Thomas J. Madden

Every time I see a flock of birds sitting one by one along a power line, it makes me think of networking. They seem to be all perched there waiting for worms.

There are those who are good at it . . . who get their worm and bag new business by just passing out and collecting cards like they're a plough turning up potatoes in a potato field.

Those are the stalwarts who bravely attend networking events, business card exchanges, Chamber of Commerce breakfasts (ugh) and they actually meet and greet prospects who occasionally become clients.

For me it's for the birds. I loathe it. If the whole purpose of going somewhere is just to shake hands and distribute cards, I'd rather perch on a power line.

However, if you're good at it, you're high energy and you have a winning smile, a magnetic personality and a great business proposition to offer, then go for it.

Here are few simple rules, however.

Never hand anyone your card until they ask for it, otherwise it's pushy.

If someone hands you their card, look at it for a few seconds before putting it in your pocket. You're allowed even to make some notes on it to help you remember later on what the person looked like.

Don't just introduce yourself, but introduce people you've just met to other people and you'll be much appreciated at a networking event.

Cast shyness to the winds. Be bold, stick your hand out, keep your tongue in, make sure there's no food on your face.

Be bold, but not obnoxiously bold as if meeting you would be the highlight of someone's evening.

Remember you're not running for office so it's not the quantity of hands you shake, but the quality. Look to meet people who look and act like prospects for whatever you're selling. If you're offering PR services like I do, try to identify people who own businesses rather than just work for them.

Soon as someone tells you they're a Realtor, tell them it was a pleasure and move on immediately. Most of the people I've met at networking parties in Florida are selling real estate since just everyone in Florida has a real estate license, including me.

Try to make people laugh. It's the best ice breaker ever invented.

Have an agenda as to what you want your networkees to know or remember about you after you move on to your next prey.

Don't look like you're any more hungry for business than your being there suggests. That's the problem with networking sessions. Everyone there looks like they haven't fed for a while or why else would they all be perched on that power line?

If you happen to see Donald Trump, don't try to shake his hand like I did one night at Mar-a-Lago, as he doesn't carefor the germs you may be handing out.

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IS BIGGER BETTER IN PR? - By Thomas J. Madden

About the Author: Thomas J. Madden

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Tom Madden is the founder and CEO of TransMedia Group, one of the world's leading independent PR firms serving clients worldwide since 1981. He has held top executive positions at ABC and NBC,where he was Vice President, Assistant to the President, then Fred Silverman. For his exploits in broadcasting and PR, he has been profiled in Time Magazine, Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. Speeches he wrote have been reprinted in The New York Times and Vital Speeches of the Day. Among awards he has received are a "Bronze Anvil" from The Public Relations Society of America. He is the author of SPIN MAN and King of the Condo. email: TMadden@transmediagroup.com 561-750-9800 Ext: 211
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