Ten Commandments of Networking at a Business Event

1. Have the tools to network with you at all times.
These include an informative name badge, business cards, brochures about your business and a pocket-sized business card file containing cards of other professionals in your network that you can refer.

2. Set a goal for the number of people you'll meet at the business events you attend.
Identify a reachable goal based on attendance and the type of group. Don't leave until you've met your goal.

3. Act like a host, not a guest.
A host is expected to do things for others, while a guest sits back and relaxes. Volunteer to help greet people. If you see visitors sitting, introduce yourself and ask if they would like to meet others. Act as a conduit.

4. Listen and ask questions.
Remember that a good networker has two ears and one mouth and uses them proportionately. After you've learned what another person does, tell them what you do. Be specific, but brief. Don't assume they know your business.

5. Don't try to close a deal.
These events are not meant to be a vehicle to "hit on" business people to buy your products or services. Networking is about developing relationships with other professionals. Meeting people at events should be the beginning of that process, not at the end of it.

6. Give referrals whenever possible.
The best networkers believe in the givers gain philosophy. If you don't genuinely attempt to help the people you meet, then you are not networking effectively.

7. Exchange business cards.
Ask each person you meet for two cards -- one to pass on to others and one to keep. This sets the stage for networking to happen.

8. Manage your time efficiently.
Spend ten minutes or less with each person you meet and don't linger with friends or associates. If your goal is to meet a given number of people, be careful not to spend too much time with any one person. When you meet someone with whom you'd like to speak further, set up an appointment for a later date.

9. Write notes on the back of business cards you collect.
Record anything you think may be useful in remembering each person more clearly. This will come in handy when you follow up on each contact.

10. Follow up.
You can obey the previous nine commandments religiously, but if you don't follow up effectively, you will have wasted your time. Drop a note or give a call to each person you've met. Be sure to fulfill any promises you've made.

Comments

[Josh]

Fantastic tips. I think the tip of not trying to close the deal is perfect. When you mentally get out of that mindset and think, "I'm just here to meet and talk," networking becomes much more easy.