I used to refer to this concept as networking with ‘common courtesy’. But, just like ‘common sense’, this practice is anything but commonplace in the business world today. One of the fastest and smartest ways to make that best possible first impression when networking is both very simple and very easy. Just display ‘Uncommon Courtesy’ that clearly differentiates you from the pack of amateurs by:
first impressions
How’s Your Greeting?
What kind of first impression do your customers and prospects get of your business when they get your Voice Mail greeting? Is it enthusiastic and professional? More important, is it concise and helpful? Or, does you greeting sound more like this one?
Shake Well Before Schmoozing
You begin making the very best first impression you can when networking with strangers with a winning smile and good eye contact. Then, continue that positive image with a comfortable handshake.
Networking Worst Mistakes
I’ve seen a lot of Networking Worst Practices in my 25 plus years of writing and speaking about the topic, but the worst of the worst is making an absolutely terrible first impression on a stranger in less than one minute by delivering an Elevator Speech from Hell! That happens when pitifully amateur networkers:
A Great Impression Every Time
How do you make a great impression on people every time? The answer is really simple and easy, yet the devil is in the details of execution.
Your Winning Smile
Grandma was right. You do only get one chance to make a good first impression. When you’re networking, one goal should always be to make the very best first impression you can on the strangers you meet. Often that impression begins with Your Winning Smile.
Networking with Class & Style
Professional association events can really fill up your days and nights with networking opportunities this time of year. You could easily attend several breakfast, lunch, dinner or happy hour events every week, gain 100 pounds and pick up lots of business cards.
How Good is Your Greeting?
What kind of first impression do your customers and prospects get of your business when they get your voice mail greeting? Is it enthusiastic and professional? More important, is it concise and helpful? Or, does you greeting sound more like this one?
How Good is Your Greeting?
Talk about making a good first impressions! Often, the first exposure your customers and prospects have of you and your business is what they hear on your voice mail greeting. Is it caller-centric, clear, focused, helpful and professional? When was the last time you listened to it?
Follow up Makes the Difference
You’ve just returned from a networking event. You met some people that could potentially help you accomplish your networking objectives and have several business cards. Good for you. Now what do you do?