10 Top Tips for Successful Networking

1. Recognise the importance of networking

Ask any successful business person and they will tell you that above all else networking skills are absolutely vital to grow your business. Networking can increase your market share, help you gain new ideas, provide work and perspectives on life and business. Speaking to one person can potentially give you access to over 200 clients and suppliers.

2. Aim to become visible

You need to let others know you exist and what you do by becoming highly visible and being set apart from the crowd, which is what good networking skills can provide. Be seen and get known. Look for interesting events to go to; clubs, associations, meetings, seminars, conferences, presentations, breakfast briefings, lunches, or start your own networking club.

3. Take care of your image

To have success in networking you need to maintain your self-esteem and build your confidence. Consider how you dress, speak and maintain your body language; aim to present a professional, positive image.

4. Always be positive

By having an open "can do" attitude and having the belief in giving and sharing as well as offering assistance your reputation will soon grow.

5. Treat all events as networking

Going into a specific networking event you may experience fear and trepidation but there is also the thrill and challenge of who potentially you might meet. However we all have all sorts of events we attend which are in effect networking ie meeting people to build mutally beneficial relationships. The networks we belong to can include schools, colleges, work, social life, small businesses, corporate businesses, family, neighbours, advisors or the church.

6. Build your relationships

You need to project an excellent image of warmth, approachability, understanding, knowledge, empathy, and an ability to engage with anyone.. Don't forget your most powerful contact might not be the most useful to you. Above all be genuine. You should take an interest in everyone you meet, remember their name, listen acutely to them to understand their needs and how you could assist each other. Tact, reassurance and the building of trust are also the hallmarks and vital components of relationship building. Be relaxed and stay interesting.

7. Develop the ability to "small talk"

Being able to talk to anyone about anything is a valuable skill in its own right and essential in networking. Being able to initiate a conversation means you are more likely come into contact with people who may well turn out to be invaluable contacts. Small talk can be difficult but have a few stock phrases up your sleeve such as "How did you get started in?..?", "What do you particularly need to succeed?" "Where are you going with it next???"

8. Develop active listening skills

Networking is not about selling it is about listening to the other person and showing them you are interested in them by active listening. Allow others to open up & talk freely. Give you're your undivided attention even if it is only for five minutes. Take an interest in what's said and acknowledge this by nodding or agreeing. Use positive body language such as facing them with lots of eye contact. Used subtle mirroring techniques (body language copying) to develop rapport.

9. Use your business card

With the many people you meet this is the only way to maintain the initial contact. 90% of businesses have no card and only 25% have a card that is up to date and informative. At the very least your own should have on it your name, address and phone number and ideally your email address if not your website. Try to include on the back your skills focus to help others identify what you have to offer. You should also create a tracking system to identify and remember all those who you meet.

10. Be organised

Keep a written list of everyone you know and everyone you meet and what they do or keep a database. Write memory joggers on the back of business cards. You may find it useful to keep a diary of who you meet and where and any mutual contacts for future reference.

For more details phone Sandra Beale on 07762 771290 or email info@lightningconnection.biz. Website: http://www.lightningconnection.biz

---

How to Find Participants for a Trial Run

Why is a network meeting the best place to get... Read More

Business Networking - Common Myths and Realities

Can we agree about the meaning of networking? I don't... Read More

Network Marketing

Network marketing is the ordinary person's best opportunity to make... Read More

Ten Simple Steps to More Customers with Better Networking

Networking is a great way to meet people in a... Read More

10 Steps to Successful Networking

"It's not what you know, it's who you know."This old... Read More

Networking in the Business world

Why is it so important to network with other people... Read More

Lesson 15 - Meeting the Prince with More Reputation than Power

The StoryBusiness has a habit of testing us as individuals... Read More

Networking Group Loyalty Requirements

How can you find out the group loyalty requirements before... Read More

Which Networking Events Should You Attend?

How does one determine which are the best events to... Read More

Networking: Is Your Approach Too Self-Centered?

It's a classic mistake by networkers: their approach is focused... Read More

Communication Is A 2-Way Street (The Networking Factor)

The Personal Touch 1There is a simple art to networking... Read More

Power Networking: Getting Your Name Out There!

Today's economy presents some very special challenges to people who... Read More

Are You Leveraging Your Business Network?

Just yesterday I received an email from a colleague telling... Read More

How to Shmooze

Definition: talk idly or casually in a friendly way Value:... Read More

A Vital Habit For Selling Big Ticket Items

I hope the title of this article aroused your curiosity!... Read More

You MUST Be Visible

Have you ever noticed how visible large corporations are? Take... Read More

How Speakers, Exhibitors, Consultants, and Meeting Planners Partner-Generate More Money and Value

? "Make Every Moment Count" is the title of a... Read More

62 Ways to MAXIMIZE Your Approachability

If you walk into your local bookstore and pick up... Read More

Flying High, Flying Far

"What me? Sell myself? You have to be joking!"This was... Read More

Networking: Strangers, Friendship, and Business Growth

You already know that uncomfortable feeling, that knot in your... Read More

Community Involvement Networking

It is important for you to join at least one... Read More

10 Terrific Tips to Talk Your Way to the Top

What is "the top" anyway? According to society, "top" has... Read More

Are You Building Relationships Online?

How's your relationship?I'm not prying into your personal life, so... Read More

Politics, Religion, Race; Conversational No-No?s in Business

Do not destroy all your positive displacement and high energy... Read More

Talk Isnt Cheap

The most successful organizations have good communication skills. Survey after... Read More

Value-Added Network

A value-added network can be achieved through explicit actions to... Read More

The Five Step Formula For Getting Prospects to Call You

Are you tired of prospecting for new business?Are you sick... Read More

Five Steps for Expanding Your Customer Base with Guerilla Networking

As a single company, it is impossible to provide your... Read More

Lesson 69 - When Networking Events Fail

The StoryIn a quest to create strategic alliances, coalitions, and... Read More

Did You Market Yourself Today?

"If you build a better mouse trap - the world... Read More

Putting The Fun Back In Networking

Networking is one of the most important skills a person... Read More

The 4 Actions of Awesome Hospitality

These Actions of Awesome Hospitality? will help you manifest the... Read More

Give People Something to Talk About!

My husband and I tried an experiment one night. We... Read More