Effective business networking requires taking the time to build relationships with people, learn about their business, find out how you can refer them to others you know. It's time to make a connection.
Some Dos and Don'ts for effectively networking:
DO: Prepare before attending the networking event. Make sure you have enough business cards with you, a pen (or two) for taking notes, and a goal to accomplish. Your goal may be to talk to someone in a specific profession and start building a relationship.
DON'T: Hand out as many business cards as you can without trying to build relationships.
DO: Think about what connections you can make for other business owners you know. If you meet someone that you know a friend or colleague should connect with, connect them without thinking about what you can get out of it.
DON'T: Collect as many business cards as you can just to send out a mass email. Again, this is the time to build a relationship.
DO: Listen and ask questions. Ask questions that get people to talk about their business. Not just what they do, but why they do what they do. Ask them what’s their favorite part of their business, and why. Be sincerely interested; don’t fake it. They’ll know.
DON'T: Just sell yourself or your business. If you only talk about yourself and never show interest in others, they won't want to do business with you.
DO: Know your own story, your business, who your ideal client or customer is, why you do what you do.
DON'T: Fumble for words when trying to answer the question: Why do you do what you do?
DO: Follow up with your new contacts. Send a card, an email, give them a call.
DON'T: Just send out a mass email to everyone. Make it personal.
DO: Be passionate about what you do, and have fun!
What have you found works effective in business networking? What doesn’t work? I’d love to hear from you.
About the Author:
Sue L Canfield Providing professional support for small businesses
