How to Become a Power Networker: Fourth of Six Parts

Maximize the Potential of Networking Events. Before attending an event, do research. Find out about the company, the speaker, the speaker’s topic and anything else that’s relevant to the meeting. If you’re going to a large conference or trade show, figure out the most effective way to proceed. Determine who you want to meet and where you might find them.

You can’t be fashionably late to a networking event. When attending a business function, arrive early to mingle with other guests and the speaker. Scan the sign-in sheet to see who’s attending and who you want to meet. Bring product literature with you in case a display table is available.

Wear a Name Tag and put your name tag on the right in the line of vision of people you shake hands with. Head for the bar, refreshment table, and registration desk--wherever there is a line or people congregate. You’ll have a natural opportunity to start a conversation with those around you. Circulate. Mingle. Move out of your comfort zone. Play the host and invite others to join.

Focus on people you don't know and reinforce relationships with people you know casually. Make your time with others meaningful. After you introduce yourself, use open-ended questions to get the conversation rolling. People love to talk about themselves. Showing genuine interest will start you off on the right foot.

Actively listen. Everyone will think you are a great conversationalists. Be curious. Let others talk about themselves. Ask questions that encourage them to talk about their business. This may give you information on how you can cultivate a relationship. Wait to share your areas of expertise at a suitable time.

 
Don’t overstay your welcome. Always have an exit strategy. It’s best for everyone to have the chance to mingle at these events. You can always follow up after the meeting. Leave people wanting more.

Is there a presentation at the event? Sometimes you can pick up interesting leads from business presentations at meetings. Presenters may confide business issues to a group as a way to share it with their partners. Don’t overlook opportunities to connect with those you might partner with.

Do you have to take advantage or every opportunity? Of course not. Be selective. Make good choices and follow up when the event is over. Be generous with your time and helpful when others ask for help. When you help others, they will be happy to help you when and if you need their assistance. #networking #powernetworking

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24 carat GOLD

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How to Become a Power Networker - Third of Six Parts

What do you do when you’ve just met someone? How do you introduce yourself? How much should you say? Do you just bolt into asking open-ended questions? Practicing introductory remarks makes it easier to enter into unexpected conversations or get things going when you find yourself with people you haven’t met before. Responding in a way that shows others they have your undivided attention is very important. And getting the most out of every event you attend is the networker’s goal. 

Prepare an Elevator Speech. Some people are immediately comfortable striking up conversations with people they don’t know. Most aren’t. That’s why it makes sense to prepare a 30 second sound bite for yourself. It’s referred to as an elevator speech because it lasts only as long as it takes to travel several floors in an elevator. 

Your short, upbeat personal introduction demonstrates what you’re about and how you can be of benefit to others. At the same time, you should be putting your receivers at ease and making them feel they want to get to know you. Customize your introduction by having several opening lines based on who you are speaking with. A little humor can make the encounter memorable. 

Pass Out Business Cards. Always take a hearty supply of business cards with you. Business cards are the least expensive form or advertising available. Hand them out liberally. And don’t forget to get one from others. Your business card is an extension of you. It speaks and sells for you when you’re no longer there. Your business card needs to be attractive and easy-to-read. Consider including a byline that’s memorable and speaks to what you do. Include your e-mail and website address. And don’t omit your phone number. It’s really irritating for those of us who aren’t ‘techies.’ 

Put the Needs of Others Before Your Own. Your networking success can be measured by the meaningful conversations you have. When you meet new people, listen for their names and use their names when talking with them. People like to hear their names. It ingratiates you with those you’re talking to. 

Listen carefully to understand who they are and what is meaningful to them. Understand what their needs are and offer to be of assistance. Don’t offer unsolicited advice. But do respond with suggestions and ideas if the person you are talking with requests them. If you offer to do something, follow through. If you don’t follow through, it leaves a bad impression. 

Focus on the other person’s needs, not your own. If they ask about yours, then share those needs with them. As you build a relationship there’ll be plenty of time to ask others for help as needed. Networking is not about ‘tit for tat.’ You don’t do something so someone else will do something for you. You do it because you like to help others. Of course, it is nice when the favor is reciprocated. #networking #powernetworking

How to Become a Power Networker: Second of Six Parts

Who, what, when, where, why and how? These are great questions to ask yourself no matter what activity you are involved in. Who do you want to meet? Why do you want to meet them? What can you gain by meeting them? Where can you come into contact with them? When is the best time to introduce yourself or get introduced? How can you maximize your interaction? 

Learn from the Experts. Did you ever wonder how the rich and powerful got to be the rich and powerful? Sure, some of them were born into it. But many figure out how to gain entrance to the elite club, and it isn’t by being a wallflower. Some go to schools where they get great educations and make the acquaintance of others who help them on their journey to the top. Others join clubs where they can hobnob with contacts who help them. Some join city and country clubs to make great contacts. Political fundraisers can be fruitful. And then, there is always flying first class. This group may not be your target, but it does provide a sense of how the network thing is done. 

Find the Right Places to Network. Networking is an activity that requires planning to be successful. You need to identify networks in which you would like to participate and then devise a way to access those networks. This can be achieved by joining formal or informal networks. Formal networks include professional institutes and organizations, business organizations, and industry groups. Informal networks include conferences and business retreats, sports and social clubs -- even parties and social hours. 

Your job is to match your interests and objectives with the plethora of networking opportunities that are available. All you have to do is figure out in which areas you want to expand your circle of contacts. Then you find groups that match the demographics you’re looking for. Potential places to network include: 

• Chambers of Commerce 

• Business clubs and organizations 

• Professional institutes and organizations 

• Industry Groups 

• Social and service clubs 

• Volunteer groups and charitable organizations 

• Community organizations and special-interest groups 

• Faith organizations – synagogues, churches, etc. 

• Neighborhood organizations 

• Meetup groups 

• LinkedIn and other online groups 

Whatever you do, remember it is not enough to simply join these groups. You have to get involved. Getting involved requires time but it is time well spent. You’ll meet new people, make new friends and contacts, and be seen as a person who is interested and can be depended upon. That will, over time, help you achieve your networking goals. In the meantime, you’ll be enjoying a rewarding experience that enriches your life as well as the lives of the people you touch. #networking #powernetworking

How to Become a Power Networker: First of Six Parts

 What are your networking objectives? You need to figure out what your expectations are and how they can be achieved. You can develop a plan by casting a wide net in the right direction. 

Identify Your Network. Your network is dynamic. It is constantly changing, growing or shrinking based on your activities and the way you interact with people you’ve met or are meeting. Networks increase access to information. They develop means for exchanging information with others, finding sources for new business, making new friends, and cultivating and building relationships you already have. 

You can draw on your own circle of influence and the circles of influence of all the people you know. Go past your secondary circle of influence to your tertiary circle of influence -- people you can potentially reach. You’d need a computer to figure out how many people you might have access to! There is power in numbers. You have power. 

Have a Strategic Plan. What do you want from your network? Are you looking for new friends? Do you want more business? How can building your network help you achieve your goals? Answer these questions to establish a direction in which to proceed. 

You have to help others and be available to support them if you expect them to be there for you. What do you have to give? What are you prepared to give? You need to be willing to help to engender the kind of respect and reciprocity you’d like. This isn’t an issue of quid pro quo. It’s a matter of liking people and wanting to help them. You don’t want to be known as a networker who is purely self-serving. 

Target People You Want to Meet. Know something about the people you’d like to meet and how you might come into contact with them. Who do you know in common? What events do they go to? Where do they work out? Join organizations where you might connect. Check out their events calendar. Know who you want to meet in advance of an event including the speaker. 

Make a point of meeting people from as many different worlds as you can. People in other industries, from other countries, of different faiths, with different interests. This will position you to make strategic introductions for friends and associates. You’ll land on the winning side, too. #Networking #PowerNetworking