Networking tips: How to meet, greet, and connect your way to success

Last week, I participated in a live Twitter chat on networking sponsored by Politico's PowerJobs. It was a fun experience and a remarkable new way to solicit and communicate opinion and advice.

It struck me that technology may change, we may change, but the essence of networking remains the same: it's about establishing relationships. 

Networking is a critical component of career and organizational success. Being well connected and having strong relationships both within and outside your organization is a cornerstone of success, in any industry and any field.

In a nutshell, networking means building a robust and diverse group of peers and colleagues who can support your personal and professional success and the success of your organization. It is important to take networking seriously, and remember that it isn't about schmoozing, it’s about developing real relationships. 

Here are 20 tips to help you network the right way:

1. Sincerity is the most important aspect of successful networking. You have to keep it real.

2. Cultivate a deep appreciation for the people you meet. This means showing genuine interest and being a good listener.

3. Make a positive first impression. Use open and positive body language, good eye contact, a good handshake, and a positive attitude.

A good handshake is critical!

4. Smile, smile, and smile! People are far more receptive to friendly faces than to stern ones, so smile.

5. Wear your nametag (left side, please).

Wear a nametag, please!

6. Introduce yourself properly and clearly. Make sure you enunciate properly.

7. Develop a great, short (20 second) elevator speech that tells people who you are and what you do. Elevator speeches aren't just for elevators; they are perfect for networking events.

You MUST have a great elevator speech!

8. Remember people’s names. If you forget, just ask again politely.

9. Don’t scan the room for better opportunities.

10. Put your focus on the other person. Ask engaging questions, be a good listener, and try to be a good conversationalist.

11. Be memorable. Express yourself well, and be someone who others are glad to see.

12. Don’t give the impression you are tying to use, sell, or get something out of people. 

13. Introduce people to other people. Smile and invite others to join your group. This is also a great way to learn and remember names.

14. Develop relationships with people, not their titles. Don’t dismiss people you meet because their title isn’t right or because you don’t think they are worthwhile or high enough up the ladder.

15. Attend as many professional and social events as you can, and introduce yourself to people you don’t know.

16. Don't drink too much. Drunk never makes a good impression.

Drunk is not good a good way to network.

17. Find ways to add value and do favors for others.

18. Say goodbye with warmth and graciousness.

19. Follow-up with people you like and cultivate relationships. Send an e-mail, use social networking, meet for coffee, etc.

20. Don’t expect instant friendships. Friendships take time to develop. Don’t overreach early on. Developing a network takes time!

Here are a few more resources:

              •How to shake hands properly

              •How to remember names

              •How to develop your elevator speech 

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20 networking tips

Networking is a critically important component of career and organizational success. Being well connected and having strong relationships both within and outside your organization is a cornerstone of success, in any industry and any field.

In a nutshell, networking means building a robust and diverse group of peers and colleagues who can support your personal and professional success and the success of your organization. It is important to take networking seriously, and remember that it isn't about schmoozing; it’s about developing real relationships. 

Here are 20 tips to help you network the right way:

1. Sincerity is the most important aspect of successful networking. You have to keep it real.

2. Cultivate a deep appreciation for the people you meet. This means showing genuine interest and being a good listener.

3. Make a positive first impression. Use open and positive body language, good eye contact, a good handshake, and a positive attitude.

4. Smile, smile, and smile!

5. Wear your nametag (left side, please).

6. Introduce yourself properly and clearly.

7. Develop a great (and short—20 second) elevator speech that tells people who you are and what you do. 

8. Remember people’s names. If you forget, just ask again politely.

9. Don’t scan the room for better opportunities.

10. But your focus on the other person. Ask engaging questions, be a good listener, and try to be a good conversationalist.

11. Be memorable. Express yourself well, and be someone who others are glad to see.

12. Don’t give the impression you are tying to use, sell, or get something out of people. 

13. Introduce people to other people. Smile and invite others to join your group. This is also a great way to learn and remember names.

14. Develop relationships with people, not their titles. Don’t dismiss people you meet because their title isn’t right or because you don’t think they are worthwhile or high enough up the ladder.

15. Attend as many professional and social events as you can, and introduce yourself to people you don’t know.

16. Don't drink too much. Drunk never makes a good impression.

17. Find ways to add value and do favors for others.

18. Say goodbye with warmth and graciousness.

19. Follow-up with people you like and cultivate relationships. Send an e-mail, use social networking, meet for coffee, etc.

20. Don’t expect instant friendships. Friendships take time to develop. Don’t overreach early on. Developing a network takes time!

Memory tips: How to remember someone's name

Memory tips come in handy when networking, especially when it comes to remembering someone's name. It's flattering to someone when you remember their name, and it helps you put them in your mental database of contacts.


Here are six tips to help you remember someone's name:



1. Repetition, repetition, repetition. When first introduced, repeat your new acquaintance's name. First, repeat it directly. "It's nice to meet you, Tom. How do you do?" Then repeat it twice during the course of your conversation. Using their name while conversing will help cement it into your memory—but don't overdo it, or you'll seem odd.


2. Association/Mnemonics. Anchor their name to a particular feature. In your mind, a simple "Tom" might become "Tom with the eyebrows," "Tom wearing blue," or "Tom with the crazy hair." Next time you see them, that feature will remind you of their name.


3. Rhyme it. Try making a simple rhyme out of their name. This can be as silly as you like because, remember, it only needs to make sense to you. Tom could be "Tom went to the prom."


4. Ask someone else. If you forget, discreetly ask a mutual friend. You needn't be embarrassed. It's far better to do this than to call them by the wrong name.


5. Introduce them to someone else. Introduce your new acquaintance to a friend to prompt them to give their own name: "Have you met Peter? He's a good friend of mine from the polo club." Hopefully they will introduce themselves, giving you the opportunity to hear their name again.


6. Just ask. If all else fails, simply ask them again. Politely say, "I'm terribly sorry, I've forgotten your name." Everyone forgets names from time to time, so don't be embarrassed, and don't make a big deal of it.

Six networking mistakes to avoid

Networking is more important than ever. Here are the six most common mistakes people make, and how to avoid them.