My Top 10 Networking Tips

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Permalink Reply by Victoria Pynchon on July 20, 2009 at 12:40pm

Thanks for the tips, Marcia! I'll add these:

1. for the very, very shy, pick off the solos standing at the periphery - they're shy too! and LONGING for someone to come and talk to them; just walk up and say, "Hi! I'm _____________" then talk about ANYTHING that comes to mind, remembering to walk your talk in all things - if you're a problem solver, ask diagnostic questions & problem solve before you even get around to saying what YOU do for a living. They'll become intrigued -- "what the heck is it that YOU do anyway?"

2. GET business cards. You CAN give them but 90% of the people who take them throw them in the trash. You're building YOUR network.

3. FOLLOW UP. Send a handwritten note (this is always impressive) saying how much you enjoyed talking to X and sending along something useful; a recent article about something they are concerned with (this need not be something YOU have written). Suggest lunch or coffee in the future. Calendar your note to follow up again in a couple of weeks for that cup of Joe.

4. BE CURIOUS; BE ENGAGED; BE OF SERVICE.

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Permalink Reply by Marcia Nelson on July 28, 2009 at 2:33pm

I love your responses. Thanks!!!!

Victoria Pynchon said:

Thanks for the tips, Marcia! I'll add these:

1. for the very, very shy, pick off the solos standing at the periphery - they're shy too! and LONGING for someone to come and talk to them; just walk up and say, "Hi! I'm _____________" then talk about ANYTHING that comes to mind, remembering to walk your talk in all things - if you're a problem solver, ask diagnostic questions & problem solve before you even get around to saying what YOU do for a living. They'll become intrigued -- "what the heck is it that YOU do anyway?"

2. GET business cards. You CAN give them but 90% of the people who take them throw them in the trash. You're building YOUR network.

3. FOLLOW UP. Send a handwritten note (this is always impressive) saying how much you enjoyed talking to X and sending along something useful; a recent article about something they are concerned with (this need not be something YOU have written). Suggest lunch or coffee in the future. Calendar your note to follow up again in a couple of weeks for that cup of Joe.

4. BE CURIOUS; BE ENGAGED; BE OF SERVICE.

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Permalink Reply by Peter May on July 28, 2009 at 3:40pm

Marcia:
Great material!

One of my favorites...is to reach out to the host/hostess in advance and "bring a gift"....which is another way of saying...another guest.

The sponsor is spending time, effort and money to promote an event that will help your business....so, make "you" worth "their" while.

Bring your blackberry and use it at least twice during the evening......everybody has a name that they can bring to the table to help someone else.....pay it forward and we all win.

Finally, dont be too quick to try to determine whether the event is a bust, or not.

Cheers!

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Permalink Reply by Marcia Nelson on July 28, 2009 at 3:42pm

Love it!

I'm giving a presentation on business development to an accounting firm next week, and I'll inclue your tips!

Marcia

Peter May said:

Marcia:
Great material!

One of my favorites...is to reach out to the host/hostess in advance and "bring a gift"....which is another way of saying...another guest.

The sponsor is spending time, effort and money to promote an event that will help your business....so, make "you" worth "their" while.

Bring your blackberry and use it at least twice during the evening......everybody has a name that they can bring to the table to help someone else.....pay it forward and we all win.

Finally, dont be too quick to try to determine whether the event is a bust, or not.

Cheers!

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