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7 Tips for Networking 
BY Colleen DeBaise|May 3, 2012| Comment Tweet 
Networking goes hand in hand with running a successful business.
But many of us dread walking into a room and introducing ourselves to a bunch of strangers.
I've been asked to share my best networking tips at a meeting today of the National Association of Women Business Owners in Philadelphia. Here are the most valuable tips I've come across – and put to work myself – over the years:
1. Resist the urge to arrive late. It's almost counter-intuitive, but showing up early at a networking event is a much better strategy than getting there on the later side. As a first attendee, you'll notice that it's calmer and quieter – and people won't have settled into groups yet. It's easier to find other people who don't have conversation partners yet.
2. Ask easy questions. Don't wait around the edges of the room, waiting for someone to approach you. To get the conversation started, simply walk up to a person or a group, and say, "May I join you" or "What brings you to this event?" Don't forget to listen intently to their replies. If you're not a natural extrovert, you're probably a very good listener – and listening can be an excellent way to get to know a person.
3. Ditch the sales pitch. Remember, networking is all about relationship building. Keep your exchange fun, light and informal – you don't need to do the hard sell within minutes of meeting a person. The idea is to get the conversation started. People are more apt to do business with – or partner with – people whose company they enjoy.
If a potential customer does ask you about your product or service, be ready with an easy description of your company. Before the event, create a mental list of recent accomplishments, such as a new client you've landed or project you've completed. That way, you can easily pull an item off that list and into the conversation.
4. Share your passion. Win people over with your enthusiasm for your product or service. Leave a lasting impression by telling a story about why you were inspired to create your company. Talking about what you enjoy is often contagious, too. When you get other people to share their passion, it creates a memorable two-way conversation.
5. Smile. It's a simple – but often overlooked – rule of engagement. By smiling, you'll put your nervous self at ease, and you'll also come across as warm and inviting to others. Remember to smile before you enter the room, or before you start your next conversation. And if you're really dreading the event? Check the negative attitude at the door.
6. Don't hijack the conversation. Some people who dislike networking may overcompensate by commandeering the discussion. Don't forget: The most successful networkers (think of those you've met) are good at making other people feel special. Look people in the eye, repeat their name, listen to what they have to say, and suggest topics that are easy to discuss. Be a conversationalist, not a talker.
7. Remember to follow up. It's often said that networking is where the conversation begins, not ends. If you've had a great exchange, ask your conversation partner the best way to stay in touch. Some people like email or phone; others prefer social networks like LinkedIn. Get in touch within 48 hours of the event to show you're interested and available, and reference something you discussed, so your contact remembers you.
Readers, what's your best networking tip?
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Colleen DeBaise is special projects director at Entrepreneur.com.
Life insurance as low as $14/mo for $250,000 or $21/mo for $500,000 of coverage. Contact MetLife® Tweet Related StoriesWhen It Comes to Networking, Farmers Will Always Beat Hunters LinkedIn Fans Rejoice: Your iPad App Has Arrived Secrets of Success When It Comes to Successful Networking, Everyone Wants to Get Along Learning to Network: Organized Study vs. Winging It Related Topics Networking National Association of Women Business Owners Ads by Google .adsenseframe {background:#edf0f3; border-radius:5px; margin-bottom:20px; padding-bottom:20px;}.adsby{background:#d6dbe1; color:#505050; padding:5px 5px 3px 15px; font-size:11px; font-weight:bold; border-radius:5px 5px 0 0;}.adsenseholder{z-index:1000; position:relative; top:3px; left:10px;}0 Comments. Post Yours. Comments:Look at the section where blogged about the store of 3D technologies http://igg.me/p/101396?a=581515
Excellent post. As an Air Force Recruiter, most of these tips were used by me daily. Now that I own my own business, its even more paramount. Thanks for hammering these basic networking tips into my head again and reminding me to continue using them.
Remembering to follow up is the key. I can't tell you how many people I've met who ask me for my contact information and never bother to follow up. Referencing something in the conversation is also very important (it will remind the person of who you are). If you are interested in expanding your network, you have to be proactive. It's as simple as that!
Great advice -- especially about arriving early.
Very helpful tips, and great comments as well.I would like to add a few other things:1) Wear a conversation piece - interesting piece of jewelry, funky tie, interesting purse ... it gives others an opening for a conversation. By the same token, use sincere compliment to start a conversation ("I couldn't help but notice your necklace - it that an heirloom?")2) Do some research on the participants before the event. Oftentimes, you may know who's coming or at least from which companies. Having even a slight idea helps to ask relevant questions. You don't necessarily have to know a lot - a few facts might help you to get things going: "Your company has HQ in California, right? Do you travel a lot?" "I noticed on your website that you are working with bit companies. Do you find them to be more difficult and demanding clients than small businesses, or the other way around?"3) First date tricks come in handy: smile, listen, compliment, show genuine interest in what others have to say4) People are certainly interested in different things, but there is one subject that almost everybody is interested in - themselves. So ask them what they do, whether they like it, how they got into this field, what's their educational background (and if they are working in the different field, how did the shift come about), what do they do for fun, what they enjoy most and least about their job etc.5) Know thy current events. While political discussions are a treachery slope, news stories might come up, and you should be at least informed.6) Introduce your new acquaintances to others at the event (this is also a great way to move on to other people without offending the person left behind). And if you are talking to someone who seems anxious (and might be a little clingy), never leave them standing alone - bring them into a group or introduce them to someone else before you leave. They will think you are the most charming person around.7) Build up your social skills. While it's true that some people have more social grace than other, it is a skill that can be improved. You can take some of our tests to learn more about where you are, what are your strengths and weaknesses, and how to go about improving in the challenge areas. Website: http://testyourself.psychtests.com/Relationship tests: http://testyourself.psychtests.com/category/8Social skills test: http://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3130Communication skills test: http://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/2151Emotional intelligence test: http://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3038If anybody's interested in using some of these tests for employee training, let me know and we can set a free trial for your business.Ilona Jerabek, PhDPresident of PsychTests AIM Inc.http://corporate.psychtests.comSolving your HR puzzle
listening is as important, or even more, to talk...
Great advice! makes sense and will probably make you some dollars too!! Great job today!
Ditching the sales pitch is pne of the best tips or networking. Though, it is hard to follow. Ending a conversation makes the networking worthwhile..
Always follow-up. Always. Even if you don't see any immediate value in a relationship, being the one person who actually followed-up will spark people's memory and often leads to introductions to additional contacts. Networking is pointless unless something happens as a result of it. Stay in touch and if they are a prospect, show them business courtesy from the start. Also, learn to network not only at designated events, a similar conversation will do. What brings you here (to this class or workshop or event or place), often starts a conversation.
Great Post. many people are afraid to network. My tip grab a friend and show up.You can not network unless you are their. So Show up.
Go into an event with a goal - like I want to meet a person who has this kind of business so we can work together or perhaps I want to meet 10 new people today.
So basic, so simple and so effective!Thank you for such a well considered and presented article.My own per peeve are the people who consider that Networking Events are opportunities for wallpapering: plastering about as many business cards as possible.For me the essential element is that it is about connecting/establishing/building a relationship, so my advice is around: Focus on getting a Customer and not on making a Sale!
If you meet someone who isn't someone you initially think isn't worth networking with, don't discount them immediately. You never know who they know or where they may work next.
Let everyone else drink alcohol - stick to water. :)
Ashley,I feel you; after an introduction, start off easy and simple with the first level of questions: "what" brought you here today, "what" types of of other companies are you trying to network with, "when" was the last time you attended an event like this, etc.Second level questions: "how" can I help your organization, "why" are your products/services better than your competitors, "how" can I better understand your product/services, "how" did you get into that type of business/line of work, etc.Third level (don't rush into these, it's best to use third level once you have built a bit of a comfortable, trusting repor): emotion and feeling based questions: (about an accomplishment that they have shared with you while talking) ..."that's incredible, how did that make you feel to______", "that's amazing, what was going through your mind when _______", "that's refreshing/inspiring, tell me how it impacted you when_______".Remember, and to Lisa's point: start in slow- see if the person is even looking for a conversation: what, when, why questions- and then listen for ways to take it to second level: why questions. Followed by emotional bases questions. People like to talk about themselves- let them! Then take lots of mental notes and find a way to help them. Helping people will always help you! (don't take that to the extreme). Last, it's hard for people not to like people that like them! Complement them to others in the group and you'll be amazed how easy it will be to network!!!
ask open ended questions then ...shut up! you have two ears one mouth ..use them accordingly ... most important question to be asked "Tell me "How can i recognize an good prospect for you or your organizatiion ?"
I wish more people knew how to network effectively. So many people either are pushing their own business or even worse, harass you into defending what you do. Neither is effective or professional.
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I would add two more. One would be 'give to get', meaning that while you are in discussions, try to understand their challenges and offer to connect with those in your circles that could possibly solve their challenge. The other would be 'reciprocate'. By that I mean if during a conversation you've recieved a contact or a viable solution, be sure to follow up and reciprocate.
Networking Simplified !!Informative article and no jargon's :)
Building relationship is blood for any business as by making more networks it becomes easy to run business smoothly. Every business needs strong relationships with employees, suppliers, buyers, investors, stockholders etc. For building a successful network these tips are fantastic.
Wow, powerful insights to networking. I agree that networking is one of the basics to make your community big, and when's it done good, all else would flow smoothly with your marketing.
Great points! I'm looking forward to using them!
Great article. That is true, networking is for building relationships. Sale pitching should be done when you have built trust, that way you can be assured of a positive opportunity.
I think these are key tips, but I would have liked to see some advice for people who have difficulty with those things. Many people don't know how to start conversation at networking events and are not confident enough to share their opinions.
LISTEN. That's my tip. If we stop trying to sell ourselves and jack the conversation, we'll learn more about the people we're meeting. If we learn what they need, then maybe we know someone who can help them, they're more likely to remember that connection. Even better if it's us. Also, relax and have fun, be social - it's why everyone is there. FWIW.
Terrific and proven tips. My favorite networking tip is to always go to an event with a goal. Is there someone in particular you want to meet? Or a specific type of contact? Then you can leave the event feeling successful. Thanks for the tips.Robyn Rickenbachwww.springboardintl.com.
There are wonderful tips. I run a networking event company. I'll implement these to help other people when they attend my events.
Great information. Thanks for sharing.
Best Tip that I can give is, plan your follow up before you even go. Without a follow up plan, why even go?
It is very useful list indeed. We spend so much time at the computer that almost forget how to interact with humans. I would like to extend no 5. Smile and keep eye contact. It can make a difference.
Good article. Aim for relationship creation rather than a quick sell. The quick sell gives you a one shot deal. The relationship can bring ongoing long-term business.
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