networking tips...
►Get involved! go to as many functions as possible.
►Bring more cards that you could ever expect to hand out, you might just need them.
►Come up with a 60 second commercial about your line of work.
►Be able to concisely articulate what you do or what your business does.
►Be passionate about what you are selling or the service you offer.
►When talking to someone, actively listen to what they are telling you.
►Be very genuine and up front when talking with people.
►Look for people that look lost and engage them.
►Don’t be shy! Everyone that is at a networking event is there to meet other people too.
►Don’t try to meet everyone that is at the event; rather meet as many as is possible without rushing your conversations. You're networking, not speed dating.
►If you make networking less about you and more about the people that you come in contact with, it will increase your creditability and people will want to share with you.
►Introduce fellow members to one another…helping others to make contacts and do business will always be remembered.
►If you uncover a need with someone that is not you line of business introduce this person to someone who specializes in it.
►You have 2 ears and one mouth…
►Don’t be afraid to set an appointment at a networking event if the opportunity arises.
►Always follow up and always follow through…your reputation depends on it.
►Invite others to networking events. They may not need your services but someone else would love to meet them.
►Tell someone about what happened at an event. This will create a buzz and that’s how things get bigger and better.
