As mentioned last week in Part l — ‘Networking That Really Works … So that You Get Results’ by Andrea Nierenberg; is a great read. Here are a few more favorite ‘networking nuggets’:
At The Event:
Learn something new, give something such as a piece of advice or a suggestion, take away a piece of information you can use later, and find a way to follow –up
Take a deep breath. You have arrived, you’ve done your homework and you’re ready!
Be present. Turn off or silence all electronic devices
Exude a positive attitude. Be ready to engage and enjoy the prospect of meeting new people and reconnecting with those you know.
Enhance your self-confidence. Remember the ‘Big Hint from Alysia’ in Part 1 – Use your ‘9 second Challenge / 22 word introduction’ that you prepared.
Be open minded.
Smile. Have a ready and genuine smile to show your interest and approachability
Firm handshake and connect. Make a positive, human connection. Ears and eyes open and ready to connect.
Wear a name tag. Highlight your name tag—it’s a conversation starter.
Listen and learn. Ask about the other person first — remember that true networking is about giving without concern that you will get something back.
Be ready to take the initiative. Approach others with positive expectations and genuine interest.
- Greeter and/or organizer
- People you meet in line as you are checking in
- Those in line to get a drink or food
- Someone standing alone
- Remember–you only have to say hello, smile, and be pleasant.
Dive in! Look for a group or two or more that’s smiling and engaged; say hello and engage.
Sit next to someone new. Set a goal to sit next to someone new and get to know them. Also plan to follow-up with them.
Start a conversation with your dinner partner. If there is a meal involved, talk to those on either side of you, and even across the table when it is feasible.
Make connections and an action plan to follow-up.
Find preferred methods of communication. Email, telephone, text? Perhaps even Social Media. Make it easy for the person to reply to you.
Have an exit strategy. If you have made a concrete connection, you will have your agenda to follow up—when and how. To diplomatically disengage:
- It was great to meet you and I look forward to continuing our conversation. As we discussed, I will follow up with you (when they told you to follow up) and via (their communication preference)
- It was great chatting with you—I look forward to seeing you at another event. Thank you and enjoy the rest of the meeting.
After the Event: Your Follow – up Action Plan
Within 24 hours, send an email to those you connected with. A hand-written note, simple and sincere, stating your pleasure at meeting them, appreciation of their time and any information you promised to send. Big Hint from Alysia: You will differentiate yourself.
Send materials immediately. People who follow-up promptly will always stand out. Send only what you promised—less is more—you will have time to bring more as you deepen the connection and have your first meeting.
Reach out within two weeks after the event to suggest a meeting with those that said they would enjoy the next step. Be strategic in your follow-up; be the one to follow-up with something specific, suggesting an activity, time and place.
Remember the ‘event’ is only the starting point. To build strong connections into your universal network—it is about taking the next steps to build on the relationship and to do so consistently. I totally agree!