25 “Do You Knows” About Networking

Many of us network and don’t even realize it because it comes naturally. While for others, it is something that takes us out of our comfort zone and needs to be integrated into our lives.

Below are set of questions to ask yourself to test your knowledge of networking:

1. Do you know that you should follow-up with new contacts 1-2 days after meeting them?

2. Do you know that you should let people talk about themselves before you take over the conversation?

3. Do you know that you need to make yourself memorable by branding yourself around an expertise, signature look, etc.?

4. Do you know that you should stay in contact with people through techniques such as a newsletter, email list, etc.?

5. Do you know that you should maintain good posture at all times when talking with people?

6. Do you know that you should always wear your nametag high and on the right side of your body?

7. Do you know that you should find ways to help others before you ask for help?

8. Do you know that you should build and maintain relationships long before you need to leverage them?

9. Do you know that you should treat every situation as a possibility to expand your network?

10. Do you know that you should invite 1-3 people each week out for breakfast, lunch, coffee, dinner, or drinks?

11. Do you know that if you build credibility and trust with people that they will help you whenever they can?

12. Do you know that hosting your own party is a great way to build your existing relationships and to expand your network?

13. Do you know that you should never burn any bridges with anyone because you could end up doing business with these people in the future?

14. Do you know that you should carry business cards in your left pocket?

15. Do you know that you should put business cards in all your bags, purses, coats, etc. so you always have them available?

16. Do you know that you should have some networking goals so you can be strategic in how you build relationships?

17. Do you know that it takes awhile to build good solid relationships?

18. Do you know that you should not try to sell people when you first meet them?

19. Do you know that you shouldn’t drink too much at business holiday parties?

20. Do you know that you should pay for meals if you do the inviting?

21. Do you know that you should use first names whenever possible in conversations, emails, and letters?

22. Do you know that you should send handwritten notes to thank people?

23. Do you know that you should carry a nice pen with you to networking events and meetings?

24. Do you know that you should constantly be thinking of ways to reach out to people?

25. Do you know that you should learn from other people what does and doesn’t work for them when it comes to networking?

The above list could go on and on. What other “Do you knows” would you add?  Can you answer “yes” to many of these questions?

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Comments

[Guy Maltais]

Great post... Thanks for compiling it.

[Robert @ reason4smile]

Mmm...
Do you know that to build strong relationship and influence people, you need to close your own eyes and try see things through their eyes?

Great list Jason,thanks for sharing!
Need to evaluate my networking skill =)

[Jason Jacobsohn]

Thanks for the comments and for the additional "Do you know".

[Gitasan]

Thanks for all this info in 1 palce. We know most of them but it is always good to review and remember them!

[Steve]

I have to agree with you. You need to stay in front of people and keep yourself fresh in their brain.

I use a system called www.SendingCardsdaily.com

Steve

[Jason Jacobsohn]

Thanks for your insights as well and for sharing your system.

Jason

[Grimes]

Jason,

I am with Steve, I started using the personalized greeting card service called www.SendingCardsDaily.com

It is unbeleivable how my referrals have picked up.

Have you ever tried it?

Grimes

[Jason Jacobsohn]

I just reviewed SendOutCards on my blog. Have tried it once. Great system.