"If you build a network, you will have a bridge to wherever you want to go."- Harvey Mackay
Networking is exchanging information, resources and ideas in such a way that builds a relationship. Being a successful networker requires preparation, patience, persistence and practice. Just like friendships, some will be short lived, while others will last a lifetime.
Follow these 10 steps to Power up your Networking skills! 1.
Mental Preparation: Ask yourself, why are you here? What do you hope to accomplish from this meeting/event? What do I have to offer this person/people? You must realize that a successful relationship is a mutually beneficial relationship.
2.
Physical Preparation: Dress appropriately. Everything from your hair to your shoes is an indicator of who you are, and what your style may be, or not be. Projected image creates first impressions. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Oh, and don’t forget the business cards. Communication skills begin here.
3.
Smile-Be friendly first, and everything else falls into place. People who smile are 100
times more attractive than people who don’t. Friendly breeds likeability and trust. People
do business with people they like and people they trust.
4.
Give a positive handshake: This means not a dead fish, weak handshake. And not a bone-crushing, “bring ‘em to their knees” shake either. Make it firm. Your handshake projects your self-image in a way that breeds confidence in others.
5.
Make eye contact: Look him or her in the eyes and think to yourself: “I like you.” The positive vibes will be communicated. Your ability to look someone in the eye as you speak to them is a tell-tale sign of your own self-respect, as well as a display of respect for the other person. –Remember, the eyes are the window to the soul.
6.
Listen: We were born with two ears and one mouth. The way to successful relationships is to use them proportionately.. Be Sincere. Reduce the “I, mine, my and me.” Increase the “you, your and yours” and you’ll be mastering communication skills.
7.
Find a common thread: Do you have a common interest (kids, sports, hobby, club, charity, etc). Ask questions like: “What do you to do in your down time?” Married? Kids? What do you do for fun?
8.
Be upbeat and optimistic: People are attracted to those who have a positive perspective. Leave the doom and gloom to others and you stand above the crowd!
9.
Be Complimentary and Agreeable: Not in a patronizing way. Look for opportunity to compliment someone in a sincere manner. Develop an agreeable nature. You are much more likeable when you are agreeable. Then, let them know you agree with them…Say so.
10.
Follow Through: An e-mail, a quick note or a phone call soon after your meeting/event acknowledging each person with a little personal message referring to your in-person conversation. Note: The sooner and more personal, the better.
In summary, be prepared, be sincere, be yourself, listen well, and most of all, have fun. After all, it’s not brain surgery…just life. Enjoy the journey!
Dave Bedard is an author, entrepreneur and guest speaker. His new book
Graduate and Grow Rich is available at
www.graduateandgrowrich.com or
Amazon and
Barnesandnoble.com Starting in broadcasting, then in his own companies, he has conducted leadership training in over 25 countries. Settings have ranged in size from intimate academic classrooms to business audiences of over 15,000 people.
He is an active contributor on college campuses, serving on numerous Boards as a Director, Advisor and Guest Lecturer. He is also a proud member of the Junior Achievement board in Massachusetts. He is also the producer and co-host of "The Success Journey," a television show featuring interviews with successful people from all walks of life.
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