Do ya know how to NETWORK??

Jun 4, 2010 by mandeewidrick

Networking is probably one of my most favorite things in the world. Meeting new people, making new connections and broadening the spectrum of business opportunities. If you think you might be a “bad networker”, here are a few do’s and don’ts of the networking trade. Feel free to add your own tips in the comments!

1. Smile and say hello. If you don’t start by speaking, then you aren’t going to have any chance of getting to know somebody new.

2. Ask questions and share a little about yourself. Show a genuine interest in the other person.

3. Don’t badmouth others. I heard something on a Joyce Meyer CD last week that was very true: if you badmouth someone else to ME, you’re problem going to badmouth me to someone else. If you want a good working relationship with someone, don’t gossip.

4. Carry business cards. Always. I typically hand out my card after every conversation…IF I feel as if a connection would serve both of us in some way. Sometimes I do it as more of a friendly gesture and invite them to add me on Facebook or email me if they ever need anything or have questions.

5. Shake hands before and after you meet. I just feel this is a good way to give someone your full attention. By shaking their hand and looking them square in the eye, it shows that you know how to handle yourself professionally. I never liked a person that would peer at me from across the room with their hands shoved in their pockets or folded across their chest.

6. Don’t answer your phone or text during a conversation. Unless you absolutely HAVE to take a call, then politely excuse yourself and end the conversation. If you want to keep the dialog flowing when the call is finished, tell them you have more thoughts in regards to whatever you were discussing and let them know you’ll only be a moment. Answering your phone is one of the quickest ways to make somebody walk away.

7. Avoid awkward silences. If you’re bored, don’t stand around awkwardly looking at each other talking about how great the weather is. I seriously hate it when people do this to me! If you don’t have any more to say, be done and move on to someone else.