Secret Networking Tips 

The 12 Steps To Effective Networking by The Networking Coach

Here are some great Networking Tips for each each step..

Top 10 Networking Tips

• Prepare yourself to Network
• Attitude to Networking
• Find Locations to Network
• The Look to Network
• Practice to Network
• Effective Communication
• Repeat Networking
• Resources to Networking
• Networking on Mass
• Attend the next "Effective Networking" Workshop

                                 Check out my Networking Advice on my BLOG, CLICK HERE

1.       Prepare yourself to Network

What are your GOALS per networking event? For every event you attend, you should clearly know what your objectives are. What do you hope to come away with after networking after this or that particular event? After you know what your goals are, you’ll have to begin the preparations to successfully make the most out networking.

You'll need the right tools and resources to truly monetize networking. Eventually the person you are talking with may ask you what you do, so be ready! Don’t ramble on about how long you have been in business or how your business process works. Do prepare a fabulous, short, and memorable pitch (10-30 seconds long) that clearly communicates what you do and for whom you do it.  

2.       Attitude to Networking

Yes I know, the reason you are networking in the first place is because you want to get something. You want to meet more of your ideal clients and meet people who can refer to your ideal clients. But don’t forget, networking is a two way street.

It is about building relationships. I know you have something interesting to share, so why not give first? Perhaps you can recommend a great book or website, share an article, or maybe you can make a valuable introduction.  

3.       Locations to Network

WHO do you need to reach out to who can help you grow your business, buy your products/services, conduct seminars together, hire you to speak, etc.? Are you after vendors and/or service providers, customers/clients or joint venture partners to grow and expand your business? Who do you need help from? To make money from/ with? Know where you’re business is at, what your business’ needs are and next, where to locate these targeted people. Where do they hang out, mingle, mix and socialize?

WHERE will you find these people with whom to network? Make a list of places, events, workshops, associations, clubs, organizations, groups and their locations, when they meet, how much it might cost to access such groups, etc. Each will present different opportunities to help accomplish your networking goals.

4.       The Look to Network
How you LOOK, walk, stand, talk, hold your hands, position your shoulders, etc. First impressions make all the difference when networking and meeting people for the very first time. What they say about you after you’re gone means more to your success than what they say in front of you. So, your appearance, the presence you give off, is vital to your success at networking.

5.       Practice to Network
Research, rehearse and practice everything with regard to networking. Research the company, those who work in it, those who supply services to it, etc. Practice and rehearse what you’ll say, what you’ll bring, what you’ll wear, etc. In this section, I give you details on how to do this, what to do with the facts you find and how to use them in conversation when networking, and with who

6.       Effective Communication
What you SAY to other people in conversation; how you say it, how you ask questions, how you don’t; when to speak up, when not to; etc. will have a direct effect on your networking success.Enter the room with confidence, stand up straight and smile. Look for a friendly face and introduce yourself. If you don’t see an opportunity to meet someone right away don’t panic. A sure fire way to strike up a conversation is to get in a line (to sign in, for food, for drinks, for the restrooms).

You can also approach the person hosting the event and ask for an introduction. In addition, if the list of attendees is available prior to the meeting you can identify someone you would like to meet and approach someone to ask if the person you are looking for is at the meeting.
Instead of trying to be interestING focusing on the ‘ing’) be interestED (focus on the ‘ed’) in the person you are talking with. You don’t have to worry about what you will say (except for your brief pitch which comes later). In fact, you can make it a goal to talk as little as possible, I promise you will be remembered as a marvellous conversationalist. Memorize this phrase: ‘Tell me more about...’ and use it! Just relax, be yourself and listen.
That initial conversation should be about understanding your prospects’ problems, needs and concerns, and collecting their contact information. The objective of networking is not to expound on your credentials.

Spend the time you have with prospects (or people who might know a prospect) asking questions and collecting information. Then you can determine whether they would have any genuine interest in/need for the solutions you provide. Use this client problem centred networking strategy to initiate and build profitable relationships.

 
7.       Repeat Networking
Staying in touch builds close and connected relationships.  Sales is busy and although we often think of giving someone a call the urgent can consume us. Focus on calling at least one person daily to connect and stay in touch, schedule the action in your diary. Phone someone you have not talked with in a long time today. Networking is a simple process of conversation yet someone has to be willing act and initiate the conversation. Try each one of these calls this week:
Reconnection call, How can I help call, Thinking of you call, Follow up call, New contractor call , How can I help call “Never take business relationships for granted. Relationships are developed through regular communication-commit to repetitive personal contact today.”

 
8.       Resources to Networking
Whatever program you use for email - Outlook, Eudora, Yahoo, Hotmail - find out how to customize your signature. There's nothing more frustrating than receiving an email from someone who wants to talk further, get together or have you send them something that doesn't have any personal information in the email.

9.       Networking en Masse
Speaking of speaking, here’s another untapped networking resource: local groups, organizations and associations. But I’m not talking about joining; I’m talking about giving a speech. It’s what I call “Networking en Masse.” Small businesspeople are successful because they’re experts on something. So whether you’re in sales, printing, tech consulting or retail, find a way to transform your expertise into an informative, concise and entertaining speech that will help other people like yourself boost business. Contact the meeting coordinator of your local Chamber, Rotary Club, Networking Group or Trade Association. They always need speakers. Offer the group a free 15-20 minute program. Include valuable tips, stories, illustrations and examples from your own business experiences that are of interest to the members. By speaking, you position yourself as an expert, validate your credibility and increase your company’s visibility. 

10. Attend the next "Effective Networking" Workshop in Sydney with The Networking Coach, Book your Tickets Here. And Sign up for the Sydney Networking Newsletter for more great information. 

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