Networking Superstar

Let’s talk! Actually--let’s listen.

I have been in a couple of networking situations recently and was a bit surprised by the behavior by some of the attendees. With a bit of disbelief I watched as people clambered to be heard, talked over one another and flat out ignored what was being said by the others in their circle.

We all have a story to tell. When we are out networking, our purpose for being there is to bring awareness to our business. Right? BUT! There is an art to networking. The people you are networking with also have a story to tell and they want to be heard. How do you balance hearing their story and telling yours? Here are three tips:

• Introduce yourself with a business card in hand. Shake the hand of the person you are meeting, present your business card and get right to asking them questions. (What do you do? How long have you been doing it? What is it like to do that work? Etc.) People love to talk about themselves. Let them.They have your contact information. You’ve made a positive impression because you let them talk about themselves--their favorite subject!
  
  
• Set a networking goal for each event. For instance--I am going to meet at least 3 new people at this event. It is very easy to fall into a comfortable pattern of chatting with people you already know or being a wallflower. By setting a goal you avoid those traps.
  
  
• Follow up. Make sure you get business cards from those you meet. As soon as you can--either immediately following the event or the next morning, send an email, recap at least one point from the conversation and if appropriate, ask for additional time to meet with them and further discuss how you might help one another in your businesses.
  
  
• BONUS: One thing you can do to really score bonus points is to ask someone: “How can I help you in your business?” OR “What is a good referral for your business?”
  
  

Bottom line is this--if you are so desperate to tell your story that you are talking over another person, you are going to miss key opportunities. Be the one to ask the questions and offer help and referrals. This will make you a networking superstar and those you meet will remember you when the time comes.