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5/1/2008 - Sixteen Tips for More Effective Networking
Reprinted with permission from workz.com.
By Mark Hunter
A networking event is not a time to see how many business cards you can acquire. Rather, it is a time to develop a few relationships that have potential. Try these tips to start some good relationships:
1. When you arrive at the networking event, avoid gravitating to people you know. Thank the host and then immediately find someone new to introduce yourself to.
2. Stop selling and start listening! When you meet someone for the first time, use it as an opportunity to get to know them and to begin establishing a relationship. Spend your time asking them questions.
3. Keep your business cards in a pocket so they are easily accessible.
4. Personalize your business card by writing your cell number on it.
5. Use the other person’s first name two or three times during a conversation. It will help you to remember it when the discussion is over.
6. After you meet someone for the first time, use the back of their business card to jot a note about something you learned from the conversation and the date and place you met them.
7. Slightly tilting your head is an effective body language technique which communicates that you’re paying attention.
8. Look directly at the person talking to you as this will encourage them to share more. Give the person 3 – 5 seconds of eye contact and then look away briefly before returning your focus to them again.
9. The best location to network is by a high-traffic area such as a main door, the bar, or near the food.
10. Never approach someone who is walking towards the restroom.
11. After the person has shared something with you, ask them another question about what they just said. This shows that you’re paying attention and that you care about what they’re telling you.
12. Always keep one hand free to allow yourself to shake hands with people.
13. Introduce each new person you meet to at least one other person.
14. Never try to barge into a group of 4 or more people. Don’t enter into the discussion until you’ve made eye contact with everyone.
15. Do not approach two people who are talking, as you may be interrupting an important discussion.
16. After meeting someone for the first time, you have 48 hours to follow up with them before they will completely forget about you.
Mark Hunter, “The Sales Hunter”, is a motivational sales speaker and industry expert who addresses thousands each year on how to increase their sales profitability. For more information on his sales training or to receive a free weekly sales tip via email, contact “The Sales Hunter” at www.TheSalesHunter.com.
Read These Other May 2008 ArticlesIndustry News and Views, May 2008
Virtual World Makes Meetings Fun Again
Web-Rich Marketing Tools Coming to the Desktop
Nuturing Warm Leads into the Sales Funnel
Sixteen Tips for More Effective Networking
May Rearview Mirror: How They Succeeded
Question of the Month, May 2008