Networking Tips

[EstherL]

Recently I facilitated a discussion at a local networking group that I am the President of. I came up with some "dos and don'ts" for networking. I would love some feedback and any other tips that you have learned along the way!! This is specifically related to networking face-to-face, although I think the concepts can be applied online as well.

Do:
Come to meet new people
Come to share what you do
Come to utilize other services/products you may be in need of
Come willing to learn and grow
Ask a lot of questions - get to know people
Refer friends to group members
Develop a brief (15-30 seconds) “tagline” that describes what you do in terms of OTHER PEOPLE. What not to say: “My name is Susie and I do catering.” What to say: “My name is Susie and I own Susie’s Catering Services. I can take the stress out of your next party or event by doing all the cooking and cleaning for you.” The idea is to generate curiousity about your business, not to describe all of your services.


Don’t:
Come and immediately expect 100 new customers or clients
Come unwilling to learn, develop and change
Talk only about yourself and what you do
Try to describe everything you do in your introduction, or every event you have coming up. Pick ONE thing and keep it brief. You will hold people’s attention much more than if you talk for several minutes. This is also respectful to the other women who need to have a chance to talk.

It's about relationships! Here's a quote from one of my favorite authors:

“All things being equal, people want to do business with their friends. All things being not quite so equal, people STILL want to do business with their friends.” - Jeffrey Gitomer

[vemmamom]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing and reminding us all that it's all about relationships

[Amy Jacobs]

great info! Thanks for sharing ~Amy

[luvwhatido]

Great Info! Thanks for taking the time to share.

[shall]

Thanks for sharing

[LorettaA]

Don't put down the services and products of other members.

I would hope members would be professional enough not to do that, but I also know there are people who don't think before they speak.

[DeeAmber]

I like these tips, but in regards on what to say when you meet someone--I actually prefer to get to know more about them and say as little about myself as possible, until they ask a few questions. I have found that you build solid relationships when you go in with an open heart and mind and really allow that person to tell you about themselves and get to know them. They appreciate that you are listening and the fact that you care enough to take the time to get to know them on a personal level. Many times, I even shy away from business talk. There's actually a reason why I do this. I can elaborate later on.

[81charduck]

Since I think of forums as a "meeting place" similar to people actually gathering face-to-face.

Similar to DeeAmber, when I connect with new people, I often ask a lot about their business, get to know who they are and what they do. Oftentimes that will help you determine whether or not they would be a good prospect for your product/service or as an affiliate with your business.

Many times, when I ask connections about their business, they automatically ask about mine. As EstherL stated, I too will say a one-line statement about my business. If they want more info, they'll ask - and many do.

[cornerstonesacc]

Thanks for sharing this information.

[TheGoingGreenTeam]

As someone just starting out I am glad that you posted these helpful tips. I will take them to heart. Thank you!