The Secrets of Effective Networking

Before we talk about specific networking tips I want to address a critical aspect of networking that is often overlooked. Sometimes we are so eager to network that we don't stop to consider whether or not we are investing our energy in the right places.

Listen, you can go to all of the networking meetings under the sun and collect hundreds of business cards while you're at it but if you're not hanging out with people you can do business with, you might make some new friends, you won't necessarily grow your business.

If you want to grow your business by networking it is imperative that you network with: people who are your ideal clients, people who know your ideal clients, and/or people who do business with your ideal clients. It's that simple. So before you sign up for your next networking event, ask yourself if it is a good fit for your business.

When you network with people who need your products/services (or know others who do) there will be a natural interest in knowing more about your business. Stop, not so quick ? the story of you and your business comes later. First, let's walk through what happens at a networking event and I will give you a tip for each step.

Step 1: Meeting People

Enter the room with confidence, stand up straight and smile. Look for a friendly face and introduce yourself. If you don't see an opportunity to meet someone right away don't panic. A sure fire way to strike up a conversation is to get in a line (to sign in, for food, for drinks, for the restrooms). You can also approach the person hosting the event and ask for an introduction. In addition, if the list of attendees is available prior to the meeting you can identify someone you would like to meet and approach someone to ask if the person you are looking for is at the meeting.

Step 2: Getting to Know People - The Ed Principle

Instead of trying to be interestING (focusing on the 'ing') be interestED (focus on the 'ed') in the person you are talking with. You don't have to worry about what you will say (except for your brief pitch which comes later). In fact, you can make it a goal to talk as little as possible, I promise you will be remembered as a marvelous conversationalist. Memorize this phrase: 'Tell me more about...' and use it! Just relax, be yourself and listen.

Step 3: Giving First

Yes I know, the reason you are networking in the first place is because you want to get something. You want to meet more of your ideal clients and meet people who can refer to your ideal clients. But don't forget, networking is a two way street. It is about building relationships. I know you have something interesting to share, so why not give first? Perhaps you can recommend a great book or website, share an article, or maybe you can make a valuable introduction.

Step 4: Your Perfect Pitch

Eventually the person you are talking with may ask you what you do, so be ready! Don't ramble on about how long you have been in business or how your business process works. Do prepare a fabulous, short, and memorable pitch (10-30 seconds long) that clearly communicates what you do and for whom you do it.

Step 5: Ending a Conversation

Remember, all conversations must end at some point so don't be afraid to politely excuse yourself and thank the person for her time. Reasons to wrap up can include going to get another drink, something to eat, going to the restroom, or needing to talk with someone before they leave. Whatever the reason, be honest and be genuine.

Step 6: Follow Up and Follow Through

This one is so simple and important yet somehow it frequently gets ignored. If you promise to do something (call, send an article, make an introduction) do it!

Think about making use of these networking tips the next time you plan to do some networking. The truth is people do business with people they know, like, and trust. This occurs over time and is all about building relationships, not about collecting business cards. Be yourself, be real and have fun!

(c) 2005 Stephanie Ward

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this information with it: Life & Business Coach Stephanie Ward helps business owners set their profits on fire! Get your free monthly profit tips plus bonus report at: http://www.fireflycoaching.com

---

Growing Your Network of People Can be Easy and Fun!

A few years back when I moved to Charlotte, NC... Read More

Unforgettable First Impressions Part 4: Become a Social Gift Giver

Do you ever wonder why single people give flowers, wine,... Read More

Mary Kay Ash Did It Best... (The Networking Factor)

"The Networking Factor, Everyone is important!" This slogan reminds me... Read More

Networking: What the Heck is a Ryze?

If you're new to the internet marketing club, you may... Read More

Network Marketing Secret: On Becoming the ?GoTo? Guy

For years we've been taught to identify ourselves as reps... Read More

Networking Know-how

Successful networking requires the understanding from the get-go that it... Read More

The Festive Season: Your Networking Opportunity

The festive season is a great time to sharpen and... Read More

Building Business Relationships in a Roomful of Strangers

You approach a stranger at an association meeting or industry... Read More

Savvy Networking: Grow Your Business and Your Career

Did you know that contacts are the bread of career... Read More

How to Get Ahead in Your Career

Bigger Better Deal. That's what everyone always hopes will come... Read More

The Secrets of Effective Networking

Before we talk about specific networking tips I want to... Read More

Networking

Put join a networking group on your to do list... Read More

Success Sentences to Help Combat Conversational Crappiness

Essential to your success as an effective, engaging communicator is... Read More

10 Top Tips for Successful Networking

1. Recognise the importance of networkingAsk any successful business person... Read More

Building Great Business Relationships

If you're in a business relationship with anyone ? a... Read More

Hey, Whos the New Guy? How to Make Guests and First Timers Feel Welcome

The New Guy is a person we all know. And... Read More

Have We Met Before? What to Do When You Cant Remember Who Yourre Talking To

You see him from across the room. You know him,... Read More

How to Make the Most of Those First 30 Seconds

Did you just meet the most important person in your... Read More

Why Cant I Remember Your Name?

You're terrible with names. You forget someone's name within ten... Read More

Networking: Breaking into the Buzz

Breaking into conversational groups is one of the things people... Read More

The Foundation of Networking: Its Not Rocket Science

Commandment 1LoveWhen we choose to simply love, our giving and... Read More

Putting The Fun Back In Networking

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

Networking - How To Do It

Networking is probably the oldest, easiest, most effective and least... Read More

How to Collect Business Cards

Why the business card grab is not why you are... Read More

Creating Successful Alliances and Partnerships through Networking

Douglas Wilder, former Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and... Read More

What I Do Is Not Who I Am... The Networking Factor

Ah, the personal touch that continues to make a big... Read More

Giving the Gift of Your Name (The Networking Factor)

Although, this is about giving the gift of your name... Read More

Giving Referrals to Get Referrals

One of the best ways to get a referral is... Read More

Powerful Networking: Focus on Building Connections, Not Closing Sales

You can find numerous references in the business literature about... Read More

Is The Company You Keep Hurting Your Business?

When you look at your friends, it's like looking into... Read More

How to Organize a Successful Bad Sweater Party

"Hey Scott, would you like to go to a Bad... Read More

Effective Networking

The process of finding out about a job, getting interviewed,... Read More

You MUST Be Visible

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