March 2010

Top Ten Tips for Networking

"Networking is simply the cultivating of mutually beneficial, give and take, win-win relationships. It works best, however, when emphasizing the 'give' part." -– Bob Burg, Author and Speaker

We mentioned how important networking is in the article above, so we have outlined some of the top tips to successful networking to land that first career.

Regardless of the networking function you attend, you will need certain “tools” to further your transition efforts. One tool you should have is your own set of business cards.  Another important tool is your 30-second summary of what you offer—sometimes referred to as a “commercial.”

The 30-second summary is very basic, but this tool is very important to develop as soon as you understand your goal.   You must be clear and focused for others to understand how they might help you.  The summary has three major parts:

1. What you have done,
2. What your career objectives are,
3. How the person you are speaking with can help you.

Take advantage of as many networking opportunities as you can, both formal, such as scheduled meetings or a “business after hours” function, and informal such as sports activities. Consider the following tips for building your network successfully:

1. Whenever possible, network in person rather than over the phone, email, or online networking.  Remember most people are visual, so getting in front of someone increases the chances that you will make a lasting impression.
   
   
2. Look sharp, and make sure your attire is appropriate for the occasion.
   
   
3. Remember your business cards and have them readily available.
   
   
4. Have your 30-second summary so well “under your belt” that you will feel comfortable customizing it for your particular listener.
   
   
5. Stand close to the entrance both at the start and at the end of a networking event.
   
   
6. At an event, don’t just speak to people who are already in your network—spend two-thirds of your time speaking with new contacts.
     
7. Once someone has given you his/her business card, make notes on the back to help you remember key things about the person and your conversation. Do this immediately after the meeting and include the event and date you met.
   
   
8. As you ask the people at the event to help you, remember to ask how you can help them as well.
   
   
9. Send an email or a connection request through LinkedIn or Facebook to a new contact soon after meeting him/her:  In your email or connection request, write “I enjoyed speaking with you last night at the business roundtable about your new venture....” A friendly message is a great follow-up after networking.  A written letter can also make a big impression with a key individual.
    
10. Read your local newspaper or online subscriptions! Keep up with news concerning the people, events, companies and organizations around you. This will help you understand who has influence, which companies are downsizing, which are growing and other valuable information which will help you strategize your networking.

"The richest people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work."-- Robert T. Kiyosaki, Entrepreneur and Author