Networking

Networking is about meeting people, making connections, getting to know each other through the exchange of information about yourself and your business. Always show a positive attitude, and always extend kindness and service. People will remember your warmth and enthusiasm first. It is also human nature that many want to associate with positive people.

Always bring your business cards and exchange them to establish rapport. The successful networker is never caught without a business card. He or she will have stacks of cards in their purse, wallet, briefcase, car and office.

When receiving a business card from a person, take the time to read it before putting it away. Looking at a person's designation, company or industry on a business card will allow you to ask better questions and formulate interesting topics of conversation.

When selecting a person to meet, consider first someone who is not speaking with anyone. It is easier to engage someone who is not involved in a conversation with someone else. Walk up to that person, glance at her name-tag, and introduce yourself using that person's name: "Hi Christine, I'm Ravi...." The first impression is crucial as people will form an opinion of you in the first 15 to 20 seconds, so make sure you present yourself in a proper manner. Always introduce yourself in a pleasant, friendly way, and smile.

Always be prepared to talk about anything. First, have your own introduction prepared in your head so you aren't tongue tied when you meet someone at an event.

Always listen to what people say instead of planning your next line. They are telling you what they want to talk about and you can take a hint and build meaningful conversation. Start small - establish a connection and you can organically build to the bigger topics. Ask question, but be aware that some questions can be inappropriate, contrived, and cheesy. If the question doesn't feel right to you, it probably isn't.

You must accept that you will not "click" with everybody. Just politely extricate yourself and move on to another spot.

Be warm, sincere, caring, gracious, show good nature, a positive attitude, and a sense of humour. Establish a honest rapport upon which you can build a relationship. The trick is to think of them before you think of yourself, and offer useful information.

A good networker will ask about the other person and his business and will genuinely listen to the answers. He will focus and maintain eye contact. He will ask for a business card and offer one of his. This may sound like cursory small talk that everyone engages in at business functions but the good networker will take this one step further.

He will write on the back of your business card where he met you and a couple of key points about you, so that he remembers who you are. He usually does that immediately afterwards or later that day.

The success of any networking session is in the follow-up. Meeting new people is not enough; you must nurture these new relationships. It is helpful to start with sending a little thank you card, E-greeting, or Email - something that will make your new contacts smile, remember you, and make you stand out from the crowd. Simply thank them for the courtesy they extended you during the event. Call them a short time later, and continue developing the relationship. The good networker knows that the power of networking is in building relationships. He will stay in touch with you through the occasional E-mail, phone call, or newsletter.

Remember that networking is an ongoing process. It is fun and can be productive, so keep your networking hat on at all times, and keep smiling. When you do it the right way, the professional, and the personal rewards will be great.



Origin: quickpua.blogspot.com