Professional networking works. Last time we discussed five tips to improve your professional networking effectiveness. In this article you'll learn five more tips to make you a professional networking guru.
Don't let one person monopolize your time.
Try to spend about 3 to 5 minutes with each person. This is generally more than enough time to figure out if the person is a good fit with your company and if you have enough information for future discussions with them. When time is up, bow out of the conversation gracefully. Don't look down at your watch or search the room for other targets. When you are professional networking you must look interested at all times.
Take note of the person's interests and/or business challenges.
An important aspect of professional networking is following up with your contacts. The more you can remember about a person the better and the more personal your follow up will be.
Periodically send newspaper clippings or articles that the person may find interesting. Professional networking is all about making connections and forming relationships. Send a note that says something like, "Bob I saw this announcement for the Quickbooks upgrade that we were talking about the other day and I thought of you immediately. Let me know if I can help you out with this." Remember to include your business card or contact information. This professional networking tips gives you a perfect reason to touch base again at the next event you both attend.
When you see the person's name in the press give him or her a call.
This is another way to stay in touch with the people you meet through professional networking. Over a period of time, actions like this build rapport and provide a great excuse for getting your name in front of them again.
Always look for opportunities to give your contacts a referral.
If you refer your contacts to your clients, prospects, contractors, media contacts, friends, or family members then your professional networking turns into a win win scenario. You both get something out of the deal. Your contacts will likely also feel a very powerful need to reciprocate: this follows the philosophical observation that what you give, is what you get in return.
The Bottom Line on Professional Networking
Professional networking produces results. Because it is all about connections and relationships you need to keep your name in the forefront of your contacts' minds. You do this by maintaining and conveying an interest in the people you meet through professional networking. From phone calls to referrals, you need to do whatever it takes to make people remember you in a positive light and want to keep connecting with you over the long term.
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