As you already know, networking is an important business skill. It can help you to grow your business and so many other things. Unfortunately, if you don’t do it right, you might have just wasted your time. Here are a few tips to help you become more effective in your networking.
Nametag
If you have one, wear your name-tag on the right side so that people can see your name when they shake your hand.
Focus on building relationships
During a networking meeting focus on building relationships. Selling when you just met someone can be counterproductive and cause you to miss out on some amazing opportunities.
Listen more than you speak
Rather than telling a new contact all about yourself, spend your time asking them questions about themselves. Most people’s favourite topic of conversation is themselves
Never discount anyone you meet
You don’t know who they know or what skills they might have or if they may be a great partner or affiliate for you. Each and every person you interact with has value. Treat them as valuable and they will most likely treat you the same way
Follow up
It is worth the three exclamation points. Always follow-up within 24 to 48 hours. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, just a brief note or email to remind the person who you are, where you met and a detail of your conversation. They will appreciate being remembered.
Leah Albrecht
From the Sept 2016 Voice Magazine
