Top Ten Tips - Effective Networking
By Tip Diva | Dec 13, 2007
Categories: Cheap, Conversation, Etiquette, Free, Job Search, Manners, Networking, Social Networking, Tips, Websites, Work
If you’re in the business world, networking and meeting new people are essential. Here are tips to get you ahead in the connection game:
- Don’t Pass Up An Opportunity - If you’re invited to a dinner, cocktail party or even an informal gathering, go. You never know who you’re going to meet and what doors will open for you. Just make sure you don’t wear yourself thin.
- Be Approachable - If you look fussy or unkempt, do you think anyone will want to talk to you? Dress appropriately, maintain a good posture, make eye contact and smile.
- Perfect Your Handshake - Don’t be a floppy fish - follow these handshake tips from Monster.com.
- Be A Good Conversationalist - Greet other people by name and be inquisitive. Start off with icebreaker questions like: Where do you work? What do you do? How long have you been in this industry? Be sincere, know what you’re talking about, don’t dominate the conversation, maintain eye contact and avoid the words ”like” and “umm” in between every other word. If the conversation becomes casual, take note of what others are talking about, including their children, favorite sports or upcoming travel. You can always use these tidbits to make later conversations more personable.
- Be Aware Of Your Alcohol Intake - Cocktail parties and dinners are popular networking events, but it is essential that you watch how much you are drinking. You could ruin a potentially good connection by an inadverdant alcohol-induced slipup. If you decide to drink alcohol, choose a drink that will take you a long time to finish. For Tip Diva, that would be a gin and tonic.
- Include Others In Your Conversation - If you see people hovering around your circle, invite them to join in the conversation. This is especially helpful for someone who is shy or new to the industry.
- Ask Contacts To Introduce You To Their Contacts - Ask a business contact who in the room or in your industry you should know. Ask him to introduce you to these people. And if you know someone who would be a valuable contact for a colleague, introduce them, as well.
- Have Business Cards Ready - Do not jot down your phone number or e-mail on a napkin. Have your business cards ready to swap with others. If you do not have business cards, Vista Print offers affordable - even free - business cards. You may want to note facts about the person you just met on the back of their business card; for instance, John Smith is looking for an investment partner, likes skiing and will be visiting China next month.
- Follow Up - After meeting someone, e-mail them or call them the next day to say, “It was a pleasure meeting you, let’s keep in touch.” And keep in touch.
- Joined LinkedIn - LinkedIn.com is the professional’s top social networking site. Professionals join the site to keep in touch, give references, ask questions, reconnect with business contacts and post and search for jobs.
What are your best networking tips?
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