The Do’s and Don’ts: How to Effectively Network Your Business
August 4, 2010
If you haven’t already it’s time to crawl out of your comfort zone and start introducing yourself! If you are attending an upcoming meet up event, seminar, or anywhere where there will be a room full of business executives you will have to learn how to network successfully. Here are the basic do’s and don’ts on how to effectively network using yourself and your business.
DO reach out and stay connected. The key to networking is communication, engaging, and connecting. Never assume that you are important enough to never have to approach people, even if you’re already a celebrity. Stay connected with people by picking up the phone every now and then; send them a tweet, an email, anything to keep you engaged with your peers.
DON’T presume or make distinctions while meeting people, never ever judge ANYBODY. You never know who you might be talking to. Remember: It’s not always about who you know.. it’s about who THEY might know. Draw your conclusions after you have spoken to them, if necessary.
DO circulate when you meet people in a group setting. Don’t confine yourself to one crowd and not talk to anyone else, this is not high school. Get around the room and introduce yourself and express interest in what others are doing in their line of business, who knows maybe they’ll reciprocate and ask you about your business.
DON’T ramble or go off track when describing your work, mission, or who you are. Work on your “elevator speech”. It is said that you should always be prepared to tell an individual what you do in the time it would take you to get 5 floors down in an elevator (usually 30 seconds). Stay focused and on track. Keep it simple and to the point, if they have questions they will ask. No one likes a person that throws up a world of knowledge within the first 5 minutes of introducing themselves.
DO look you best when going to a meeting or seminar. Look friendly, approachable, and likeable rather than stiff, uncomfortable, and overly flattering. Stand with self confidence. Hold your head up high, but not too high. And of course.. Always remember to smile.
DON’T come off as a sales person. The objective of networking is to meet people not scare them away with high pressure sales tactics. Believe me when I say if they are interested they will inquire. If the person you are talking to is interested in your services, schedule another time with them to meet and discuss the details outside of the networking event.
DO listen. Listen, listen, listen! Counter questions, inquire details, and offer suggestions when asked for them. Listening goes a long way.
