Networking Tips
Monday, July 21st, 2008Last week the Market Connections team attended a “Lunch ââ?¬Ë?n’ Learn” about effective networking, where we learned the following eight tips to make networking easier.
1. Read professional magazines outside of your profession, particularly those of your suppliers/vendors or clients
2. Read magazines about hobbies you aren’t interested in (In addition to those you are!)
Popular choices may include jogging, cooking, landscaping, or golfing. Knowing a little bit about a lot of different subjects makes it very easy to chat, and network, with others.
3. Set a connection target and stick to it
If you contact just four people a day, that’s 100 touch-points each month!
When you attend an event, make it your goal to meet at least 5 new people.
4. When speaking with people, ask open ended questions
An easy example of this is “Tell me more about”¦.”
5. Remember things that are important to people
Most people will forgive you if you forget things, but remember that their little girl just turned five and started kindergarten, and you’re a star.
6. Connect people with similar interests or to solve a problem
If you know two people who would benefit from knowing each other, introduce them. By offering a favor you have now made yourself look great to bothââ?¬â?and they both owe you.
7. POSITIVITY!
Always approach others with a smile on your face and a cheery comment. Don’t be negative or critical right off the batââ?¬â?remember, you attract more bees with honey!
8. Don’t force networking
If you have an event to attend, but you have too much on your plateââ?¬â?don’t force yourself. There are always more opportunities to network later, and forcing will probably put off more people than it will attract.
