Top Networking Tips
To conclude, here are some top tips for effective professional networking:
Tip | Comments |
Tip 1: Give and get information | Networking is a two-way street. When you meet someone, you should ask them about their work, their organisation, and their needs: DO NOT FOCUS ON YOURSELF! |
Tip 2: Evaluate the value of the contract | You cannot network thoroughly with everyone. Ask yourself: WHAT SYNERGY MIGHT THERE BE WITH THIS RELATIONSHIP? |
Tip 3: Form relationships | A network is not a collection of business cards, but of people. Take the time to understand with whom you are networking. Choosing who to network with carefully will determine the long term value of each contact. |
Tip 4: Network maintenance | As your contact base grows, you have to re-evaluate the people in your information loop. Practice effective time management skills and prioritise your contacts. You will want to get in touch most often with those that can be most useful to you. They will become your inner circle. |
Tip 5: Develop a networking mindset | Plan to network and network effectively. If there is an attendee list, select who to meet and be polite when moving from person to person. |
Tip 6: Develop a great 30 second commercial | What is your unique selling proposition? Can you communicate it in 30 seconds or less in an interesting and concise way? If not, then work on your networking commercial. |
Tip 7: Identify your goals and targets | Define your networking goals and use them to target suitable networking opportunities and people. |
Tip 8: Identify where to network | Be selective where you network and the media you use. If you want to find out about trends in your industry, network with people who do what you do. If, however, you want to meet people who might be future clients, do not network with people who do what you do!
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Tip | Comments |
Tip 9: Prepare your network activity strategy | Do not leave meeting the right person or finding out the right piece of information to luck. Make your own luck by planning to meet the right person and asking the right questions to get the answers you need. |
Tip 10: Work the networking activity | Do not just show up and have a drink and a chat, instead seek out people and contacts, ask questions and offer help and support to others. |
Tip 11: Ask questions | People enjoy being listened to and so ask twice as many questions as you answer. The secret to being a great listener is to ask the right questions, so take part in networking activities armed with great open-ended questions that will get people talking. |
Tip 12: Never sell | It never works and people notice so NEVER SELL WHILST NETWORKING! |
Tip 13: Go with a team approach | If you go to a networking event with a colleague, do not spend your time with them, but instead divide your target list in half and network as a team. You can always chat to your colleague another time! |
Tip 14: Follow up | Professional networking is like planting a seed and nurturing the seedling to grow into a healthy plant. Only plant as many seeds as you have time to nurture otherwise your seedlings will die and your personal brand will die with them. Only network with the number of contacts you can manage – quality and not quantity is the key to a strong professional network! |
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