10 Tips on Quality Networking
Networking can get you a new job or a new client. The key
to networking is taking the initiative, refining
your skills and figuring out how to help your new contacts.
- Work on your "elevator speech." For
example, "Hi, I’m
[your name] with [company name].
We specialize in providing services
to [client types]. Unlike other
firms, we [your unique differentiator.]" Remember
that this can be tailored to
the event.
- Most importantly,
find out what they do, who they
do it for and what they hope
to get out of the event. If there is someone they want
to meet, maybe you can introduce
them.
- Networking is NOT about receiving. It’s about
giving. Give help, time, advice
and connections whenever you
can. There is an old saying
that goes “The open
hand of giving is always
full.”
- Practice your listening skills. The best listeners are the greatest
networkers.
- Put your business
cards into a name badge sleeve. It
keeps them handy and people will
see your logo—this is great
for brand identity.
- Go where others
aren’t. Go to events where your
clients would go—not where your
competitors are already entrenched.
You can network at your kids'
sporting events, at dinner
parties, reunions and even at the metro.
- As soon as you return, enter your new contact
into your database
with notes (i.e., date, event
met, who you know in common,
what they are looking for and
how you can help them.)
- Send a “nice to have met you” email
within 24 hours. Remind them
what event it was and try to
mention something from your conversation.
- Remember
your weakest
link. The book The Tipping Point by
Malcolm Gladwell
quoted a landmark research study,
by noted sociologist, Mark Granovetter.
He found that
nearly 60% of all job seekers
found their position through
a personal connection. Of those,
56% were weak links—meaning
people they contacted
only occasionally.
Granovette argues
that you are
just as likely to get a job or
client lead through a weak
link. Therefore,
give all your
links equal treatment. This strategy
is almost always overlooked.
By the way, another
study noted 72% of executives
land positions
though connections.
- Always arrive 20 – 30 minutes
early for an
event. More productive networking
occurs before the event, than
after it.
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Looking for an article or trusted interview source on advertising,
branding, marketing and public relations? Contact Jessica Klenk
at 301.588.2900 or via email.
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