AIM's Top 10 Networking Tips
Tip 6 - Entering and Contributing to a Conversation
Many people find it difficult to enter a conversation with strangers. When you approach a group of people you do not know, try saying “My name is John Smith. May I join you?” Inevitably you will be welcomed into the group.
But you must have something to talk to the group about once you have entered it so always have some neutral open ended questions on hand as a back up. Ensure these are open ended “what” and “how” questions. For example:
- What prompted you to come to this event?
- What sort of trip home do you have after tonight’s function?
- What sort other sorts of professional associations do you belong to?
- What have you got planned for the long weekend?
- Avoid politics, religion, private stuff, sex and gossip – you just never know who you might be talking to!!!
Tip 7: Cherish the Business Card!
The Business Cards is an essential tool.
- Always have plenty with you.
- Treat business cards with great respect when you are giving them out and even more respectfully when you are receiving one. Hold the received card in both hands and make some comment based on a piece on information on the card. For example “I see your head office is in Morningside. I know that area well.”
- Carefully catalogue your business cards and refer back to the cards on a regular basis to consider ways to reconnect with the giver.
Tip 8 - Little Things Count
- Always place your name tag on the right side of your chest because the eye naturally flows up the right arm as you are shaking hands.
- Always keep your drink in your left hand, so that your handshake does not feel clammy.
- Always ensure you eat before you arrive – gobbling after a busy day is not a good look!!!
- Everything is moderation – especially alcohol
- Don’t fret if you forget a name – it happens to everyone. Try saying “ Your name is on the tip of my tongue” or “You’ll have to help me with your last name” after which people will invariably give their full name.
- Always invite people who are standing by themselves into your group – they will really appreciate it.
- Avoid gossiping – it’s a small world and you never know who knows who.
- Always present a well groomed image. Both ladies and gentlemen should follow a simple rule - when in doubt, go up a notch
Tip 9. Follow Up
Follow up those you have met and connected within a way that will make meaning for them. Try…
- A phone call or email
- An article, newspaper clipping, or interesting website
- The name of a good referral
- Send a thank you note to the host or organiser
- Ensure that whatever you have committed to do in conversation that you actually do “I have a great article on that, let me send it to you.”
Tip 10. It's Not All Face to Face
There are many ways to network in addition to the fact to face mode. You can make a connection in a number of other ways. For example:
- Scan the list of recent appointments in the press and write a letter of congratulations to a person who has recently enjoyed a promotion.
- Write a letter of support to someone who has contributed to the community.
- Contribute to blogs in your area of expertise.
- Contribute to company newsletters
- Contribute to newsletters of your professional association through an article or a letter to the editor
Our guess is that these tips are not new to you – but if we were allowed one more tip, it would be this...it is not knowing to do something that makes a difference, it is actually doing that something consistently that brings results.
Effective networkers always do better than people who stay at home or in their offices. It is through networking that you get to form social connections with people you may otherwise have never met. We all know we need to network AND we all need to refresh those ideas occasionally.
<< Read tips 1-5
You may distribute this content for networking and educational purposes. Please quote author Vivienne Anthon and source Australian Institute of Management (www.aim.com.au)
|
