10 Tips For Networking

I was recently invited to attend a networking night run by one of the apprenticeship centre's I deal with as part of my work with Positive Training Solutions.

As I'm pretty new to the whole networking thing I wasn't totally sure what to expect, So instead of going in with a view to sell my services, I figured it would be just as beneficial to me if I went in to just meet some people and learn about how other people approach networking situations, so I could develop a great strategy for the next one I was invited to.

I was amazed at some of the bad techniques I came across, some of these were -

• 'The Card Spammer' - Giving out as many cards as possible, but never talking to anybody for more than a couple of minutes.


• 'The Hard Seller' - Meeting people and only talking about how good their company is and how you should do business with them.


• 'The Drunk' - Yes, it does happen at the events, people can tend to get a little rowdy when there's free drinks involved.


• 'The Newbie' - Huddles in the corner in their old little world, texting someone on their phone, not bothering to introduce themselves.


• 'The Small Talker' - Walks around the room saying things like, so how's about the weather?


• 'The Loudmouth' - Always interrupts people and talks about themselves, never listening to what other people say.

So if all of those are bad ways to approach a networking event, what are the good ways?

Here's the 10 tips -

1. If you're in a group of people you know, break away and meet someone new.


2. Listen to what other people have to say, before you talk about yourself.


3. Take business cards and keep them handy. (shirt pocket works)


4. Write notes on business cards of people you just meet. (helps you remember them later)


5. Use people's names when talking to them (both friendly, and helps you remember)


6. Use eye contact to show people they have your full attention.


7. Always keep a hand free to shake. (choose between food or drink)


8. Never break into a big group of people. You'll always feel like the outsider who has to catch up.


9. Introduce people to other people you meet at the event.


10. Follow up within 48 hours of the event (an email works well)

The main thing to remember when attending a networking event is that you are not there to bombard people with information, or to strike a million dollar deal, you are simply there to meet people and develop useful business relationships that you can benefit you in the long run.