I have been attending networking meetings for 12 years or so. I was first introduced to this concept after I lost my first business and had to start looking for a job. The career workshops I attended couldn't emphasize the value of networking in one's career search.
Now I am starting my own business, and I am using networking as my primary prospecting tool. Just as jobs are found mostly through networking, so are clients. p
I have been networking for two years now, and I would like to share some dos and don'ts.
- Dress for success. You are your brand, and you should dress like it.
- Show up early and stay late. You meet more people that way.
- Do follow-ups and one-on-ones.
- Don't just exchange business cards. Email them soon afterward.
- It's not all about you. To be interesting: be interested in the other person.
- Stay focused on business. Don't stray into other subjects until you have built a relationship with that person.
- Repeat names, memorize names and use their names. Names are very important. Names show caring and respect more than anything else.
- I know you are meeting lots of new people, but you can memorize all their names with practice.
- Never try to sell the person you are meeting. You are networking, not pitching your product.
- Be respectful of referrals. Ask for referrals.
- Ask for help.
- Volunteer to be a speaker.
- Volunteer to help with the meetings.
These are some things I learned I would love to have your contributions.
#networking #advice #self-improvement
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