One great thing about recession is that people are more willing to do networking. I have heard few people saying that networking doesn’t really help businesses and it is waste of time. I have been networking for last half year and can tell you that people do not know how to do networking. Here is some 10 tips that might help you network better.
1. Do not sell
Everyone fails on this. You go to networking event to meet people, introduce your business to others and learn new things. Remember that each person has around 500 contacts behind him. If this person can’t help your business, it might be that one of his friends are in need of your services. So how about stop selling and start to do some networking.
2. It’s not all about you
The person you talk with is the most important person at that moment. You should try to help him in any possible way by give him advice, your contacts or introducing him to others. Remember the law of reciprocity. If you give something, people feel obligated to give you something back.
3. Make yourself noticable
When I first went to Start Your Own business course and there was lady with small red mini skirts and big red high heel shoes, I thought she is very unusual. But after quite a few networking sessions I noticed that people who network regular keep those touches on. I have seen at least two guys who always keep funny hat on, or girls who wear red clothes. I have a hat and people do recognise me after seeing it only on twitter or LinkedIn.
4. Find the right networking event for you
It’s not true that you go to all networking events and they all will be viable for you. Find the ones that are most suited for your business and do research beforehand. If you have a list of people attending, look up them and decide whom you want to talk with. If there isn’t anyone you want to meet – don’t waste your time and don’t go there.
5. Do talks & presentations
While people are very affraid from talking in front of others, it is almost the only way to introduce yourself to everyone. People will be more at ease to approach you after.
6. Do Follow Ups
There is no point for you going to networking events if you don’t follow up people you met. Don’t sit at office and hope that they gonna call you. Send them e-mail, call them and remind about your talk.
7. Don’t lie
If you don’t remember somebody ask for his name or business card. If you don’t know what person is talking about, ask him. Don’t pretend you know those things. It usually leads to worse case scenarios!
8. Try to talk with everyone
Standing and chatting with one person all evening won’t bring you much opportunities. Go around, talk with everyone and return to persons you are most interested in. I have heard that most best spot for networking is near the food and drink stand. You keep returning there, pour tea for somebody and start talk.
9. Don’t do networking too often
Firstly you won’t have time to follow up with everyone and secondly you will be very tired unless you are super sociable person. I had around 4 networking events last week and I was very, very tired after.
This is your chance to get some business, so go do some networking!
Great post, Gita!
Thanks for sharing the tips, I’ve seen most of them in real life already, but couldn’t quite define the way you did.
Hi Gita, thanks for the tips I found them very helpful, I have just joined The Enterprising Women Network and enjoyed the first meeting, I am looking forward to attending more social networking meetings as I feel they are a great help to me, as I work from home.
regards Jenny Tully
Very Good! Nice compilation …
Thanks for the nice words.
I forgot to add note about business cards. Bring at least 20 business cards with you (some events like speed networking might need more). And write notes at the cards you are receiving. It is more than likely that at the next morning it will be hard to remember who said what.
But be careful with that though – few people don’t like that you write notes on their cards (e.g. Japanese might be very offended).
Hi Gita,
Good stuff there. Thanks for the tips! I felt what you mean by “Don’t do networking too often” indeed
Cheers
Fred
Thanks for comment Fred. Recently there is too much networking going around. To be able to attend all would mean you wouldn’t have time for anything else regarding your business
Another thing I was told after I decided to write this post was that “be a host to networking event”. Promise people a free beer and create your own networking event. Everyone would love to do networking, free beer and everyone will want to talk with host. So you get valuable business contact over evening.
Hi Gita,
You have put together a very good list of tips!
Thanks
Niamh
Thanks a lot for the tips very useful.
there was a good video file on the small firms website http://www.sfa.ie/ – but I can’t find it now! Yanky Falcher was giving a talk about networking and made a very good point about attending seminars and conferences – he said people make the same mistakes – they go and talk to the people they ALREADY KNOW!!!!
If anyone do know the SFA video mentioned, please don’t hesitate to add a link
Thanks for the comment Con.
Went to a recent SFA speed networking with out knowing any thing about networking. Found it to be very useful and informative. Did not know any one at the meeting so had to share my information with them in the set time.