Some tips on how to network effectively

 
There's no doubt about the effectiveness of using social media for networking, but we think there's still a definite need for using good old-fashioned face-to-face networking for making contacts,  and developing your business. 

But while 'talking' on Twitter or LinkedIn is easy, meeting people face-to-face is a completely different matter.  So, if you've ever asked yourself 'how do I network',  or watched others make it look easy, here's some tips on how to get the best out of the networking meetings you go to:

Tip 1 - Don't be late.  Ever!

Groups form early so make sure you're there as soon as the coffee is served.

Tip 2 - Use networking to build long-term relationships

Don't treat it as a way to make a quick sale.

Tip 3 - Be interested rather than interesting

Don't talk too much about yourself.  The aim is to find out what people do.  It will help you work out what you can do for them.

Tip 4 - Remember their name

Repeat the other person's name as soon as possible, and repeat it throughout your conversation.  If it's an unusual name don't be afraid to say so!  Ask them to spell it (it shows you are interested in getting it right) and repeat it as soon as you can, and more than once.

Tip 5 - Don't end up speaking to only one person

End each conversation politely by explaining you want to meet as many people as possible.  They won't be offended as they want to meet lots of people too!

Tip 6 - Follow up

Do it as soon as possible but not the same day! or even the day after.  Show them you enjoyed your meeting by making reference to your conversation.  Using Bcc to send everyone the same 'it was nice to meet you' generic message is insulting and better not sent at all.

Some ideas of what to say at networking meetings

If you're always stuck on how to approach someone you don't know or how to start a conversation at a networking event try some of  these:

• Why are you here today
• What are you working on at the moment
• Hello, my name is.... This is my first time at this meeting.  Have you been to one before?
• How do you know ..... (the speaker/organiser)
• Do you know anyone else here? Could introduce me to them?
• How did you get into your line of business
• What do you enjoy/not enjoy about your industry?

PS Make sure you listen (and that means properly listen) to their answers!

Some tips on how to network effectively

 
There's no doubt about the effectiveness of using social media for networking, but we think there's still a definite need for using good old-fashioned face-to-face networking for making contacts,  and developing your business. 

But while 'talking' on Twitter or LinkedIn is easy, meeting people face-to-face is a completely different matter.  So, if you've ever asked yourself 'how do I network',  or watched others make it look easy, here's some tips on how to get the best out of the networking meetings you go to:

Tip 1 - Don't be late.  Ever!

Groups form early so make sure you're there as soon as the coffee is served.

Tip 2 - Use networking to build long-term relationships

Don't treat it as a way to make a quick sale.

Tip 3 - Be interested rather than interesting

Don't talk too much about yourself.  The aim is to find out what people do.  It will help you work out what you can do for them.

Tip 4 - Remember their name

Repeat the other person's name as soon as possible, and repeat it throughout your conversation.  If it's an unusual name don't be afraid to say so!  Ask them to spell it (it shows you are interested in getting it right) and repeat it as soon as you can, and more than once.

Tip 5 - Don't end up speaking to only one person

End each conversation politely by explaining you want to meet as many people as possible.  They won't be offended as they want to meet lots of people too!

Tip 6 - Follow up

Do it as soon as possible but not the same day! or even the day after.  Show them you enjoyed your meeting by making reference to your conversation.  Using Bcc to send everyone the same 'it was nice to meet you' generic message is insulting and better not sent at all.

Some ideas of what to say at networking meetings

If you're always stuck on how to approach someone you don't know or how to start a conversation at a networking event try some of  these:

• Why are you here today
• What are you working on at the moment
• Hello, my name is.... This is my first time at this meeting.  Have you been to one before?
• How do you know ..... (the speaker/organiser)
• Do you know anyone else here? Could introduce me to them?
• How did you get into your line of business
• What do you enjoy/not enjoy about your industry?

PS Make sure you listen (and that means properly listen) to their answers!