Networking Tips

10 STRATEGIES FOR THE SAFE PRACTICE OF NETWORKING AT YOUR NEXT NETWORKING EVENT

STRATEGY #1
THOU SHALT NOT SELL AT ANY NETWORKING EVENT

Please release yourself of all expectations of returning from a networking event with an order. You are there to meet new people, and if there is a fit, to make a connection for a first meeting.

STRATEGY #2
THOU SHALT BRING YOUR 2 BIGGEST ASSETS TO EVERY NETWORKING EVENT

Your ears, of course! You are there to listen actively to the needs of others, looking for ways that you can help them.

STRATEGY# 3
THOU SHALT BE PREPARED…WITH A GOOD 60 SECOND INTRODUCTION

Once you have learned about your fellow networker’s business, it is time to share a bit about yourself. The quality of that “bit” is entirely controlled by you and should be planned and practiced before the networking event.

STRATEGY #4
THOU SHALT A GIVER BE

The posture of wanting to give assistance, to be helpful, generates positive energy and advances the relationship quickly and respectfully.

STRATEGY #5
THOU SHALT NOT SPEND VALUABLE NETWORKING TIME WITH COMPANY COLLEAGUES OR ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIPS

Please use your networking time well by sharing your wish to meet new people with your colleagues and established relationships.

STRATEGY #6
THOU SHALT ALWAYS BRING YOUR NETWORKING TOOLS

Your most important networking tool is your business card. Other networking tools include an informative name badge and the business cards of your key referral partners.

STRATEGY #7
THOU SHALT SET A GOAL FOR MEETING NEW PEOPLE

Since networking is all about making connections, please assign a number to the new people that you would like to meet at each event.

STRATEGY #8
THOU SHALT SPEND NO MORE THAN 10 MINUTES PER NEW CONTACT

You can accomplish a lot in 10 minutes! By being genuinely interested in others, asking good questions and by developing your own clear message, you will find that you will be able to assess and/or advance relationships much more effectively.

STRATEGY # 9
THOU SHALT DO UNTO OTHERS AS THEY WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED

By understanding the 4 basic behaviour styles, you will be able to treat others the way that they would wish to be treated.

STRATEGY #10
THOU SHALT FOLLOW-UP ON EVERY PROMISE AND CONNECTION

As you place your prescribed 2-3 networking events into your weekly calendar, be sure to book in some follow-up time within 24 hours of the event.

And so ends the 10 Strategies – Happy Networking from the Referral Institute