I attended a networking event last week where it became immediately clear to me that a few of the networkers I interacted with were not at all prepared. It really bothered me because, to be blunt, if you haven’t done the simple, basic preparations to network properly then you’re not only wasting your time, you’re wasting the time of the other networkers you talk to.
Preparing to network is not difficult; you simply need to follow these basic networking commandments:
* Have the proper networking tools with you (name badge, business cards, contact info of your referral partners).
* Set a reachable goal for the number of people you’ll meet, and then get all their cards.
* Act like a host, not a guest.
* Listen and ask questions.
* Don’t try to close a deal.
* Give referrals whenever possible.
* Spend roughly 10 minutes or so with each person you meet.
* Exchange cards and write notes on the backs of cards you get so that you are sure to remember people clearly.
* Follow up!
No matter how long you’ve been networking, it’s always good to remind yourself to consistently follow these steps. If you do, you’re sure to get the best possible results from your networking efforts. And other networkers, like myself, will thank you for making good use of their time.
This entry was posted on Monday, July 28th, 2008 at 6:00 am and is filed under Networking, Networking Education, Networking Prep. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.2 Responses to “Prepare to Network”
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July 31st, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Many kind thanks for the basic networking commandments.
I have printed this out for my everyday ‘motivational’ reminder. This is indeed useful for me. I like the part about ‘Don’t try to close a deal’ as it does reflect one’s sincerity in providing a useful contact, which would benefit the person receiving the information, rather than being portrayed as ‘a salesman in action’. My approach was much appreciated by the visitor I invited to our Networking Meeting.
November 4th, 2008 at 7:54 am
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