Networking Article from Networking Today Canada, Nat'l
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Tips for Effective Networking
The
“The networking was very beneficial.”
“Very informative and great networking!”
“An excellent opportunity to meet new people and introduce your services to new contacts.”
To ensure effective networking, the Centre provides the following tips to participants:
Be Prepared
- Always have plenty business cards on hand and easily accessible.
- Consider everybody to be a possible network contact.
- Dress accordingly.
- Ensure your name badge is visible and easy to read.
- Listen carefully.
- Stand tall, shake hands firmly, and make eye contact.
Be Open-minded
- Everybody is a potential contact in your network.
- Network with everyone you get a chance to speak with.
- If you don’t know anyone in the room, position yourself in a high-traffic area, e.g., bar, buffet table.
- Pairs of people might be involved in private conversations, while three or more people are more likely to widen the circle for you to join in.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask
- While introducing yourself, briefly explain what you or your business does.
- Ask questions like: “What can I do for you?” which will in turn return the question to you. That will give you an opportunity to explain what you do.
- Know what to say when someone asks you what you do.
- Ask others what they do, and how it can help you or your business (somebody out there has what you need).
Set Realistic Goals and Commit Yourself to Them
- Be honest with yourself and determine where you are now, where you want to be, and set achievable goals.
- Build and use your network to help you attain your goals.
Build Your Network on Information, Not Status
- Everybody benefits from good networks.
- Share your knowledge.
- Practice random acts of kindness toward your contacts.
- Always thank those who made time for you. You may not have closed a deal, but you’ve opened a door.
Know What to Say
- If you can, help others remember your name, e.g., James Greene, like the colour with an extra “e.”
- Ask for a business card and offer yours in return.
- Upon receiving the card, read it quickly and comment on the design of it or the business location.
- Keep the business cards you are receiving separate from your own.
- Don’t put the business card in your wallet or in your back pocket.
- Mention the possibility of getting in touch in the future (be sure to follow up).
- End with an invitation to speak again, or “Nice to meet you,” “Will be in touch” etc.
Don't Waste Resources; Give Without Expectation
- Never force a conversation with someone that is not interested.
- Keep conversations on point, short, and sweet.
- Don’t drag a conversation on, while being careful not to brush anyone off.
As a business owner, it’s important to remember that networking doesn’t just take place at conferences and networking events. You never know where your next great contact or client may come from. You must always be prepared to tell your story, tell it well, and tell it often.
Nancy Kopriva is the Manager of Projects and Business Development Services at the London Small Business Centre, where she coordinates Bridges to Better Business, Networking Wednesday and several monthly workshops and seminars. Since 1986, the Centre has been providing training and support to entrepreneurs from concept, through planning and into the early growth stages of business. For more information on the services provided contact
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