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If you enjoyed attending a specific networking function or event, contact the organisers and let them know - start building yourself a positive and supportive reputation
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If you are feeling low, tired or can't be bothered think about whether or not you will help anybody or get anything out of attending a networking function.
Remember networking can be hard work and requries energy and enthusiasm.
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Spread the Word - if you know others who could benefit from networking, invite them along with you to a function or an networking event you think they might enjoy.
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Attending networking events can become costly. It is best to set aside a 'networking' budget and to choose the networking functions you want to attend carefully.
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Successful networker's are willing to share information - not hide it.
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At networking functions, keep an eye out for the 'new-networker'. Be the friendly face - introduce yourself and break the ice!
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Take your diary to every event you attend. You never know how many 'coffee' dates with new (or 'old') contacts.
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Remember Networking is FUN! You are allowed to have a good time!
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Effective networking is about long term relationships - not quick turnarounds!
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Business Cards are essential for networking. Don’t have one? Order some today!
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When attending Networking Functions - Be on time !
The time before the official start of an event is often the best time to meet new people and begin your networking.
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Work out a system for organising all of the business cards you collect from each event. If you are an active networker you probably have masses of business cards - to be an effective networker you need to have a system to followup up and maintain contact with the people at the other end of the cards.
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Once you have made contacts - maintain them! Contacts turn into referrers.
The holiday season is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with all those contacts you made during the year either with a Christmas card, a friendly phonecall or even a Christmas email.
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We all know that listening is an instrumental tool when communicating but remember that listening is PRO-ACTIVE!
Demonstrate that you do care and are interested in the conversation by holding direct eye contact, asking questions and maintaining positive body language
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You are not the only person who might be nervous at a business networking function. If you see someone standing alone approach them, not only will you make the other person feel more comfortable it will help boost your confidence!
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Follow Up! Follow Up! Follow Up!
This is the only way to build up the long term relationships you are aiming to have with your contacts. So don't forget to 'follow up' with new contacts after each Networking Event you attend.
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Don't make promises you can't keep.
Trust is essential in building any successful business relationship.
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When meeting people for the first time, remember to ask them lots of questions about themselves! People often feel comfortable talking about themselves and it is a good way to break the ice.
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Don't just focus your conversation on business. Remember you are trying to build a relationship!
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Networking is part of your 'Work'. More than 85% of business is generated through referrals so make sure you allocate a time to network each week!
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Try to attend a variety of networking events. You will get to meet a range of different people to expand your contact/referral list. You will also be exposed to a different forms of 'networking' making you a more confident networker!
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Set yourself a specific goal for each networking event you attend.This could be to meet at least two people, to have 'effective' conversations or to simply have fun.
You will boost your networking confidence if you create and stick to goals but remember to set yourself achievable goals.
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Remember that FIRST IMPRESSIONS LAST! Dress, communicate and act professionally.You only for one chance to make a good first impression.
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Don't feel like you have failed if you don't see immediate results from your networking. Remember networking is about long-term relationships, building a solid referral base and developing strategic alliances. You WILL see results in the future.
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When Networking remember, a Positive Attitude goes a long way. If you attend a Networking Event confident, happy and focused, you will be doing yourself and everyone you come into contact with a HUGE favour! People will find you approachable and will want to talk to you!
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Remember that you are not aiming to 'Sell' your product/business. The aim should be to build meaningful, beneficial professional relationships. You want to be at the top of their Referral List!
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Networking is about Giving before receiving. At a networking event when talking to new contacts ask questions to find out as much about the other person as you can. Genuinely LISTEN to the answers and remember to ask "What are you looking for?" and "How can I help you?"
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When you ask for someone's business card do so for a reason, then you will have a reason for following up. Otherwise save a tree - there are too many business cards in desk drawers that have NEVER been followed up on!
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