This is the last part in a three-part series about business networking
So you’re ready to hit your college’s next alumni event. Or the local Chamber mixer. Or maybe you’re just getting together with some old high school buddies for a New Year’s party. Do yourself a favor and follow these how-to networking tips.
- Know Your Stuff: No one is going to want to do business with you if you don’t know what your business is. Memorize your elevator speech and be able to deliver it confidently to others. If you work in a highly technical industry, be prepared to summarize what you do to a layperson.
- Carry business cards: It would be nice if you could remember everyone’s name and they remembered yours. At smaller, more intimate gatherings, this in fact may be possible. But at larger networking opportunities, you’re better off taking a souvenir from each person you meet. And leaving a souvenir with each you meet. Make your business card memorable by writing a personal note on the back to jog the recipient’s memory after the event.
- Don’t be a mercenary: Focus on quality, not quantity. If you’re just focused on meeting as many people as possible, then you’re probably not going to be able to give the proper attention to any particular person. Sure, meet lots of people, but have a plan. If you don’t talk to a potential networking colleague, it’s not the end of the world. You’ll probably get another chance.
- Be yourself: And don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. You’re not Donald Trump. Yet. Eventually, people will figure out who you really are, your strengths and weaknesses, the good bad and the ugly. Potential business contacts will appreciate your refreshing candor
- Use common sense and good judgment: Don’t get drunk. Don’t tell crude jokes. Listen to people when they are talking to you. Carry some mints in your pockets. Don’t pick your nose. Don’t be rude or standoffish. Don’t make a pass at an attractive co-worker, … unless she is really, really cute. In others, present the best “you” to those you want to meet.
- Send a thank-you note: Nobody, and I mean nobody, does this anymore. And try to do it on an actual “thank you” note card. This will make you really stand out after a networking event
These how-to networking tips are just a start., though. Develop your own networking style. Find out what works best for you. After all, networking is not a science. It is an art.
In a word, everywhere.
And anytime.
And especially around the holidays.
Remember, every time you meet someone in a business context, it is an opportunity for networking. You could be in line today at the grocery store buying your spiral ham and have a conversation with somebody about what you do for a living. Or maybe you’re going to a holiday party at your neighbors’ house and can speak with a celebrant about your visionary business idea over a glass of egg nog.
Where else can you network, though? In today’s interconnected (and Internet-connected) business world, many formal avenues exist for people and companies to network.
- Chamber of Commerce: Every town, city, county and region of the country has a Chamber of Commerce, devoted to growing business and industry of its members and the local economy. For a nominal annual fee, you will have access to the Chamber’s member directory, regular events (mixers, galas, networking breakfasts, guest speakers, etc.) and workshops. Few better opportunities exist for the professional looking to grow his business.
- Alumni Groups: Most of you probably went to school somewhere. Whether it’s high school, college, graduate school or your 3rd Grade class with Ms. Jackson, many of you already have access to a network of people that you already know and who already know you. The Internet has provided a valuable platform from which people can come together because of a common bond, … both online and in real life
- Professional Associations: If you’re engineer, there’s a professional engineering association in your area. If you’re a Hispanic MBA or an optometrist, there’s a professional group for that too. If you’re a young professional in the greater Savannah area, there’s a group for that too. Look in your own professional “backyard” for the group that fits your background and marketable skill sets.
- Networking Groups: What better venue for networking than a group formed specifically for the purpose of bringing like-minded professional together. These groups — some for free, some for a monthly or annual fee — are perfect for the aspiring businessman or entrepreneur to meet kindred souls who are looking to grow and help others grow.
We’re just scratching the surface here, though. Remember, networking opportunities happen every day. It’s happening right now. You’re reading an article from a business professional about networking. You can reach the author here. There’s an opportunity right there. Did you see it?
These type of impromptu networking opportunites don’t just occur at the holidays, but are available every day, 24/7/365. In line at the bank, waiting to talk to the mechanic, in the parking lot at Best Buy, … you just have to be looking for them and be ready to act when the time is right.
Tomorrow’s post will explore the ”how” part of networking, perhaps the most important part. After all, you can’t just show up at a alumni mixer or a networking event and business to fall from the sky like manna from heaven. There’s actually an art to it, …
This is the first in a three-part series about the benefits of networking
So you own a successful business. Or are a successful salesperson with a profitable company. Or just a person with great ideas and vision. You spend money on advertising and marketing trying to locate new clients and customers for your business. It works. You are making money. Business is good. You have a satisfied customer base that likes you and your product. Your clients are so happy that they recommends your services to others. You set goals and typically reach them. You have big plans for 2008. Life is good. Now, why would you want to change things and start networking with other business owners and professionals?
Because you can do even better. That’s why.
Networking, stripped of all the value-added, mission critical business lingo, is simply the act of meeting new people in a business context. Pure and simple, it can be one of the most valuable — and easiest — ways to grow your idea, company or business in 2008.
Here are just a few great reasons for any business professional to consider networking as part of their plan for 2008:
- Networking is a cost-effective way to meet with more people who might be able to use your service in the future or recommend your services to others. Ultimately, people want to work with people that they already know. The most successful companies and salespeople are generally the ones that get the most referrals from satisfied customers and business acquaintances.
- It can also strengthen your control over the clock by reducing the time and money required to gain new customers. These “extra” hours each day can be used to do more business and increase your profits.
- Networking is also an excellent way to learn about new business opportunities and services that may be useful to you in the future. You can also expand your knowledge base by meeting new people in other professions and learn complementary skills.
- Not everyone that networks is employed or looking to grow their business. You might be looking for a new passion. Rather than mass e-mailing resumes or weighing down your postman with cover letters and job applications, you can meet individuals directly who may be able to help you. Networking can provide a gateway to a potential introduction with a future employer. As many of us have found it, it is often not what you but who you know that counts. Networking expands who you know, and puts the odds in your favor that your networking colleague’s brother’s girlfriend’s mom knows someone who is looking for someone like you. Or, if you are changing careers, one of your networking colleagues can be a living, breathing demonstration of what it is like to work in that industry
- You are able to keep your hand on the pulse of your local and regional business co Read the rest of this entry »
