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 Strategies
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:
Elevating Your Elevator Speech
A reporter sought me out recently for input on an article she was writing on elevator pitches. He’s a summary of our conversation.
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.
Enhancing Small Talk
When you’re attending a business, professional group or networking event, talk should never be small! You’re there to meet people who can help you or who you can help, so just say ‘NO’ to Small Talk!
Networking’s Value Proposition
A business reporter sought me out recently for some comments on Networking’s Value Proposition for small businesses. Here’s a summary of our conversation.
Choose Networking Events Wisely
A reader asked for some simple tips on choosing appropriate networking events to attend. Networking at business and professional events can be a simple strategy to take your business to the next level. Maximize your ROI from these events by choosing them wisely.
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.
Don’t be a Card Shark!
Regular readers realize the mission-critical value of Effective, Efficient and Engaging Networking. Properly done, it can result in easily learning important information to help you do your jobs better or grow your businesses. It can sometimes even lead to creating new mutually beneficial business relationships.
‘Uncommon Courtesy’
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: