The 16 Golden Rules of Networking
Always have distinctive and colorful business card – Many people don’t and it’s a big mistake. Name, address, branding, phone, fax, cell phone, e-mail address, use both sides. A great place to get cards is www.vistaprint.com- Never go to an event alone – It is much more fun and productive to go with an associate. You can introduce each other to the people you meet in the room.
- Always network when people are around you – this can be at sports clubs, or even at the grocery store. Everyone is able to help you if you give them a chance.
- Elevator Presentation – come up with something simple and dynamic that describes quickly and efficiently what you can do. First 15 seconds are most important, make it unique so the other party wants more, must be focused, they must know what you want, practice-practice-practice www.15secondpitch.com
- Give your undivided attention to the person you are talking to. Make eye contact, quickly determine if this is a contact you need to make, exchange business cards
- Don’t let the conversation end without exchanging business cards Build your professional rolodex, make a note on the back about the conversation, every contact is a part of your personal network
- Network in the right circles – Business groups and former executives you worked with or were associated with. This includes both working people and transition people.
- If you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong – This can be tons of fun with lots of energy floating around.
- Ask for introductions and help – Don’t be shy, there are lots of people that want to help you.
- Follow-up – within a few days of meeting quality contacts.
- This is a lucky one. – Always give more than you get – The power of reciprocity is tremendous and it works if you let it.
- Project a winning attitude – This is a given. If you are positive and enthusiastic, people will want to be around you and to help you. If you are gloomy and negative, others will avoid you.
- Participate actively in groups and organizations – Effective networking and relationship-building takes more than paying dues, putting your name in a directory and showing up for meetings. You must demonstrate that you will take the time and make the effort to contribute to the group
- Call people from time to time without a hidden agenda – Ever hear from an old friend who supposedly phones just to say hello, but then gets to the “real” reason for the call? How does that make you feel? To avoid being perceived in this way, take five minutes each day and call one person in your network simply to ask how he or she is doing and to offer your support and encouragement
- Be willing to go beyond your comfort zone – For instance, if you have the urge to introduce yourself to someone, DO IT! You might hesitate, thinking that the person is too important or too busy to speak with you. Even if you’re nervous, force yourself to move forward and make contact. You’ll get more comfortable as time goes on.
- Tell people how they have helped you – If you sat next to someone at a dinner meeting and received helpful suggestions, let that person know specifically how you utilized that advice (or plan to implement it). People like to hear that you value their opinions and benefit from their knowledge.
One final point: Great networking skills are not a substitute for being excellent in your field. You might be a terrific PR person, but if you aren’t talented at what you do and constantly learning and improving, your efforts will yield disappointing results.
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