My top 5 Networking Tips are:
1. Be a resource for people that you meet. If you are asking questions and listening to their answers, you may have a connection with someone you know to help solve a problem or fill a need. And what you give, you will get.
2. Always be sincere. If you aren’t, people will know it because people do business with people they know or trust. While you are speaking with this person, give your undivided attention.
3. Rehearse your 30 second commercial about your company prior to the meeting. Know what you want to say and say it with enthusiasm.
4. Do not talk too long – nobody likes a bore! You’ve all heard that’s why we have two ears and one mouth.
5. Remember that it is not how many people that you meet at an event that counts. Rather, it’s will the people that you have met remember you when the event is over.
Hint: Don’t you find it easier to remember people who have helped you or were interested in you versus the person who just wanted to tell you what they do, gave you their card, asked for yours and then walked away? Can anyone say circular file?
