Seven Principles of Effective, Successful Business Networking - Part I

Many professionals have a difficult time meeting people and building relationships because they don’t know some of the basic tenets of networking. How to network isn’t something you’re taught in school.

By learning how to network more effectively, you should gain a new appreciation for networking and what it can do for your personal and professional life. By incorporating the following seven networking musts, you should see an improvement in your networking experience and success.

1) Set Goals

Before you attend a networking event, you need to have some goals in mind. Ask yourself the following questions: Who do I want to meet? How many people do I want to meet? Why do I want to meet these people? Where will I meet these people?

Without a clear goal in mind, you won’t make the best use of your time when attending events. When you meet people, you should have a reason to talk with them so you can start to build meaningful relationships.

Do your research and find events that will allow you to meet the desired people. You can then put yourself in a position to reach your networking goals.

2) Carry Business Cards at All Times

A simple but often forgotten networking must is to carry business cards with you at all times. Whether or not you plan on attending an event, you should never leave home or the office without them.

You just never know what situation you will be in and who you will meet. It can be embarrassing if you don’t have a business card to hand out, which could show that you’re not an organized individual.

First impressions make a difference. Put business cards in your wallet, purse, briefcase, coat or pants and make sure your cards are accessible at all times.

3) Take Good Notes on Business Cards

When you meet people, it’s important to remember what has been said. Make sure to take notes on the back of their business cards.

By taking notes, you will remember your conversations and have information available when you follow up. Make sure to take notes about personal and business information such as birthdays, anniversaries, business interests and hobbies.

All of this information can help you to build your relationships with people. At the very least, it shows you took the conversation seriously and were paying attention.

In addition to taking good notes on business cards, it’s helpful if you transfer the information to an electronic format such as a PDA, Outlook or Act. That way, you can continue to add future notes and easily search for this information.

Stay tuned for the last 4 techniques....

Comments

[Mike Maddaloni]

Hi Jason:

Great list!

To ensure you and others can achieve #3... do not order a special coating on your business cards!

I ordered cards through OvernigthPrints.com, which is a highly regarded quality and inexpensive printer, and I selected the UV coating for the cards. Granted the hold up better in my wallet, but you can't write on them with a ballpoint or gel pen. Just a little advice from the road...

mp/m