Networking Top Ten

10 Rules for Better Networking

Here are ten tips for successfully navigating networking parties and events.  Make your networking easier, more enjoyable, and more valuable to you and your business.

10. Bring and give away business cards.

You would not believe how many people go to networking parties without business cards.  This is a lot like showing up to a tennis match without a racket.  If you don't have yours, you will spoil the game for everyone.

Also, business cards are cheap.  Get them printed professionally.  Use good paper.  People will often form their first impression of you based on the quality of your cards.  Unless you want people to think you are of flimsy character and a bit rough around the edges, avoid printing your own on perforated stock.

9. Bring a click pen.

You will need to write notes on the business cards you receive, and click pens (ball point pens without caps) allow you to do this quickly and with one hand. Write three items on the cards you receive:  1) What you have promised the person (if anything), 2) What connections you have made with the person (Perhaps you both graduated from CU Boulder?), and 3) One or two words that summarize the topics discussed.  This information will be helpful when you follow up.  For example,

Hi Jenny,

Great meeting you at the event last night.  It's nice to know another CU Boulder alum is living close by.  The name of the Japanese restaurant I mentioned is "Hakata."  Excellent sushi!  If you decide to go, let me know how you like it.

Warm regards,

Marc

DO NOT write on your new contact's business card while he/she is still standing in front of you.  This is considered to be very rude in some cultures.  Instead, wait until the conversation has ended and you have moved to a safe distance.

8. Smile.

If you don't look approachable, no one will approach you!  Try to smile, be friendly, and be open to new conversations. People gravitate toward happy people.

7. Read the headlines.

Check the news before you head to the event.  Find some lighthearted topics to discuss that are interesting, but not related to politics or religion.  This will give you something to talk about that is non-threatening and not personal.  If you have an interesting story, the people you meet will remember that you are an interesting person.

6. Give to get.

Name, Business Card.  If you want to learn someone's name, introduce yourself first.  If you want someone else's business card, give them one of yours.  If they don't reciprocate, it is okay to ask.  This rule also works for information when you are following up.  Volunteer something helpful, and you will often get something helpful in return.

5. Don’t talk too much.

Leave them wanting more, not wanting to get away.  Networking parties are a great way to meet a lot of new people.  You can't do this if you are talking with one person all night.  People are generally happier when they are talking.  Let other people talk.  Be sure to participate in the conversation and make sure the other person knows your name and business, but don't talk too much.  You will waste their time and yours.

If, on the other hand, the other person hasn't read this and simply won't stop talking, and you feel you are starting to fall asleep, use body language to get away.  Put your hand up as if to shake hands.  The other person will respond with a handshake.  Thank the person and be on your way.  Also, don't forget to watch for negative body language from others.  You may be boring them to death.  Take notice, politely excuse yourself, and find someone more congenial to speak with.

4. Don’t eat, but stand in line to eat.

Eat before you go.  If you are eating, you can't talk.  If you can't talk, your network can't grow.  Besides, no one wants to watch you shove broccoli into your mouth while you explain your business.  If you do this, I guarantee that no one will remember your business.  They will only remember the food hanging from your mouth.  Besides, eating takes two hands.  That leaves no hands for business cards.

I do encourage you to stand in the food line, however.  This is a great place to start conversations.  Just comment on the food.  "Food looks great, doesn't it?"  When the other person responds, follow up with your name.  Instant conversation.

Beverages, on the other hand, are great.  They take only one hand.  They keep you from putting your hands in your pockets, and they create an opportunity.  If the person you are speaking with doesn't have a drink, you can offer to head to the bar with them.  This is a great way to extend an interesting conversation with a particularly promising contact.

3. Go alone or split up.

If you're talking with your friends all night, you can't meet new people.  It is sometimes difficult to attend a party by yourself, but this is the best way to meet people.  Seek out other people who are by themselves.  They will be happy to talk with you.

2. Be memorable (helpful), not annoying.

Be remembered for the right reasons.  If you are helpful and interesting, people will want to continue to get to know you even after the event.  If you are overbearing, disgusting, too interested in the nightlife of barn owls, etc., most people will want to get away.  Just listen.  Listen and respond.  Introduce people to one another.  Be helpful. People gravitate toward helpful people.

1. Follow up by email and get a response!

Without follow up, networking is worthless.  When you get home from the event, send a short email to all of your new contacts.  It is important that you do this immediately, while your new contacts still remember you and while you still remember what you discussed.  Try to ask an easy question that will encourage your new contact to respond.  When he/she does respond, save the email.  6 months later, when you need this person to introduce you to an important potential client, you can respond using the same email.  This is a great way to bridge the time gap.  The person will read your original email and their response and instantly remember you.

© 2008 Ovient International. All Rights Reserved.