The following article that I wrote appeared in the October edition of Magazine Soho. You can also find it at Sohobiztube.com.
With Others, Sweat the Small Stuff
With networking, you don’t always have to help people in a significant way like finding them a job or a client. In reality, people also appreciate little acts of kindness such as thanking them and treating them with respect.
Pay attention to how you interact with others because you want to make a good impression. Over time, these acts of good behavior will be second nature to you.
Make People Feel Good
When talking with people, make sure to let them know that you are genuinely interested in the conversation. Give them cues that you’re a good listener by having consistent eye contact, smiling and asking questions.
By showing a sign of interest, people will feel that you care and have a good impression of you. In return, most people should also show interest in what you have to say.
Make sure to congratulate or compliment others when something positive happens to them. By going out of your way to do this, people will appreciate your thoughtfulness and will remember you.
Exercise Good Manners
Though having good manners usually goes without saying, some people need to be reminded in certain situations. Pay attention to how you interact with others in various circumstances.
When dining or having drinks with others, offer to pay the entire bill – especially if you invited the person. People will often insist on splitting, which is just fine. So long as you make the gesture, you are showing good manners.
If someone asks if you would like coffee or water during meetings or even interviews, always accept. Even if you don’t want anything to drink, it’s still polite to take the drink because you’re showing respect to the person, who is just being a good host.
Remember Birthdays
When you meet people, try to find out important dates in their lives such as birthdays. Make sure to immediately record this information in your calendar so you won’t forget these dates.
When it’s someone’s birthday, send this person an e-mail, call him or her on the phone or mail a card. Whatever you decide to do, it will show that you were thinking about this person.
Most people won’t expect you to remember their birthday. By acknowledging others on their birthdays, you will surprise them by showing that you genuinely care about them and take an interest in their lives.
Think About Others
Other than remembering birthdays, you should always be thinking about ways to connect with others. Contact people when you come across something that may interest them.
Let your contacts know about important items such as events, articles or resources. Whatever you share, it shows that you were thinking about them.
When you do share information, make sure it provides value and interest to the people you contact. Keep good notes about others so you can pass on appropriate information to the right people in your network.
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