As Power Networkers, many of us polish our finely crafted Elevator Speeches or 30-second commercials and deliver them with passion and purpose every chance we get. Great. So let’s assume you’ve just done that at a business or professional group networking event … now what do you do?
Networking Strategies
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?
Shake Well Before Schmoozing!
You can begin making the very best first impression you can on the strangers you meet at a networking event with a winning smile and good eye contact. Then, continue that positive image with a comfortable handshake … and shake well before schmoozing!:
Networking Defined
A reader recently asked me to define ‘Networking’. So, here is one of my favorite ‘Phil’s Faves’ you would hear often in one of my Networking Strategies workshops:
‘Networking is simply the exchange of ideas, information or resources. It’s all about information. John Naisbitt first defined networking that way in ‘MegaTrends’ over 30 years ago.
Networking for Introverts
I recently got a call from a reader who admitted to being very introverted, but still wanted to improve her networking results. I thought others might benefit from what I shared, so here’s the essence of that conversation.
Now that’s Really a Dumb Question
You know that old adage, ‘There’s no such thing as a dumb question’? Sorry to spoil your fantasy, but that’s wrong. There are plenty of dumb questions. Three of my faves are:
1. Excuse me, do you know what time it is? 2. Hey Mister, got any spare change? 3. Honey, do you want to take out the trash?
Master Permission Marketing
Ever meet someone at a networking event who turned you off quickly with a negative first impression? Or, who really annoyed you with ineffective follow up? I have – lots of times. I call them ‘Networking Slugs’. They earn that designation for different reasons, but mostly because they don’t practice the simple art of Permission Marketing. Here’s what Networking Pros do to avoid that title:
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 10 breakfast, lunch, dinner or happy hour events every week, gain 100 pounds and pick up lots of business cards.
But strategic networking isn’t a numbers game – it’s based on focused activity to accomplish specific information objectives. So define your networking objectives, choose your events wisely and prepare to make that best possible first impression. Networking with Class and Style is both very simple AND very easy. So, embrace these 10 Best Practices to clearly differentiate you from the amateurs.
Look here if you want to know who I am
One of the simplest tools in your Power Networking Tool Kit is the name tag you wear at networking events. Everyone uses them, but few people do so strategically that can add to a positive first impression and enhance your networking process. Really … I’m not making this up.
The purpose of your name tag is obvious and simple – it tells strangers your name and where you work. It also helps remind people who’ve met you before who you are. No brainer stuff here, indeed.