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.
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