Top 11 Networking Tips

1. Set Your Goals:  Before the event, clarify and write down for yourself what you have to OFFER (information, resources, expertise) and what you want to GET (introductions, resources, leads, information).

 2. Do Your Homework:  If it is possible to learn who will be attending the event beforehand, research the people you’d like to meet and plan your strategy.

 3.  Firm Handshake:  Make the first five seconds count.

 4.  Introduce Yourself: Describe what you do best, be interesting, and be brief!  Keep it to a couple of sentences; details about skills and experiences can be added as the conversation develops.

 5.  Prepare Conversation Starters:  Tailored your starters to the specific event/industry or general topics of mutual interest.  

 6.  Act Like a Host:  Look for someone standing alone, introduce yourself first.

 7.  Keep it Short:  Five to eight minutes per conversation.

 8.  Card Exchange:  Ask for a business card as you conclude a conversation.  Write reminder notes on back of card to help with follow up. 

 9.  Graceful Exits:  “It’s been a pleasure talking to you.” 

 10.  Follow up:  Write thank you notes to those who offered helpful information or resources, preferably within 24 hours.  Handwritten U.S. Mail will stand out, but some may prefer email.  If you offered to provide information or resources to others, do it now.

 11.  Reciprocal Relationship:  Frame networking as a reciprocal relationship in your mind and in your communications:  “Please let me know how I can help you.”

 Books and Resources on Networking:

 Make Your Contacts Count, by Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon

 Why Should Extroverts Make All the Money? Networking Made Easy for the Introvert, by Frederica Balzano, with Marsha Boone Kelley

 The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World, by Marti Olsen Laney

 Dynamite Networking for Dynamite Jobs, Caryl Rae Krannich and Ron Krannich

 The Riley Guide, www.rileyguide.com, an excellent web resource on job search topics.