A reader recently asked for some simple tips to network with more courtesy and to avoid coming off like a ‘slug’ at networking events. My comments.
Networking with ‘Uncommon Courtesy’ is both simple and easy and can clearly differentiate you from everyone else:
- Talk less and listen more. This helps you avoid talking too much, especially about you.
- Tell less and ask more, especially asking good questions about them and what they do.
- With your follow up phone call, ask ‘Is this is a good time?’ in the first 15 seconds.
- Respect their time by not asking for large amounts of it too soon. Several short phone conversations or an e-mail exchange are better than asking for that 90-minute lunch.
These strategies take so little time or effort, but do so much to impress other people that you are a Networking Pro, not a Slug. So, try them at every event you attend. You’ll be amazed with your results.