Successful Networking

Forty tips for Successful Networking

1. Make sure you plan for it and don’t just network when you are not busy
2. Decide what you are going to say and how you are going to say it
3. Prepare your one-minute speech until you know it very well
4. Explore the different networking clubs and websites
5. If possible get a list of who is attending and decide who you are going to speak to in advance
6. Be the person who asks questions about others and not the one who talks about him/herself
7. Attend on a regular basis
8. Keep a database of the people you meet at each networking events and have a plan for keeping in touch with them
9. Have specific business cards for networking, with ‘we met at…..’ and ‘ we talked about….’ on the back of the cards
10. Think of the needs of the person you are meeting, not your own. Why are they attending? Who would they like to meet?
11. Give something away
12. Write a short book and give it away
13. Produce an action plan for what you are going to do as a result of meeting
14. Carry enough cards and hand them out to as many people as possible
15. Give people you have a good relationship with several cards
16. Ask for referrals
17. Have a script for asking for referrals
18. Ask for testimonials
19. Make sure you are attending the right events. Who are you networking with? Are they your target market?
20. Relax and be yourself
21. Mirror the body language of the person you are speaking to
22. Offer to speak in front of the group
23. Attend events that provide learning as well as speaking opportunities
24. Read a book called ‘linked’
25. Look out for Steve Mills’ book called ‘A Sales Force of Thousands’
26. Don’t spend time with the people you know at networking events
27. Remember the second part of the word ‘networking’. It is not ‘netdrinking’, nor is it ‘neteating’. This is work and it is serious and it is important and therefore needs to be done professionally
28. Have targets for the number of events you are going to attend, the number of contacts you wish to make and the number of leads and sales that will result
29. Write a networking strategy for your business
30. Networking is not just about attending events. Think of it as who is in my network of friends, colleagues, family, associates, customers, suppliers
31. Get your network working for you. For example, asking your family and friends to pin a leaflet on their office noticeboards about what you do may be a worthwhile strategy
32. Ensure that you dress appropriately for networking, but remember you want to ‘stand out’
33. Improve your communication and rapport building skills
34. Form your own networking club
35. Always try before you buy when considering joining any networking organisation
36. Ask the people you know which are the best networking organisations they know
37. Ensure your information is up to date on your networking clubs website
38. Get to know the people who run the networking club
39. Identify yourself with a professionally produced badge
40. Speak to Steve Mills at K&H regarding improving your networking strategy on 0118 923 580