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.
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.
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| 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).
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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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For more information, please visit Careerstone Group's Website.
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