How to Effectively Network for Your Business

Have you ever found yourself in a room full of business people and you have no idea how to start a conversation?

Learn how to effectively network to get results!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A networking event.
• A skill or business that you wish to market (yourself, included).

1. 
   Find an Event

   Find a local networking event. With the power of the Internet, they are usually very easy to find. Start with your local Chamber of Commerce. These folks are always throwing networking events of which you can attend as a guest for a nominal fee.

2. 
   Befriend a Member

   Make friends with a current member of the group that you plan to attend. These people can be invaluable to you, especially if you are a bit shy and are not comfortable just walking into a room full of strangers. Since they already have a knowledge of the membership, they can introduce you to key people who will introduce you to MORE key people, and on and on it goes!

3. 
   Firm Handshake

   When introduced to someone, have a FIRM handshake I cannot express this enough - this means you too, ladies. Obviously, do not break someone's hand, but by having a firm handshake, it shows that you mean business, and it exudes a professional demeanor and attitude.

4. 
   Look 'Em in the Eye

   During the handshake, always look the other person in the eye. Although you are surrounded by other individuals, make the person you are speaking with feel like they are the only one in the room!

5. 
   Listen!

   Ask the person what business they are in and listen closely! You may not do business with the person you are speaking with, but chances are that by listening you can learn of people that THEY know that you can form a business relationship with.

6. 
   Elevator Speech

   Work on your "elevator speech". It is said that you should always be prepared to tell an individual what you do in the time it would take you to get 5 floors down in an elevator (usually 30 seconds). So, when the conversation shifts to what it is that YOU do, you will be prepared to tell them! Be advised that an elevator speech is a constant work in progress and it takes lots of practice to get it right.

7. AVOID SLIMING! Sliming is the practice of "selling" yourself or your services to the person you are conversing with. If the other individual is interested in your services, schedule another time with them to meet and discuss the details outside of the networking event.

8. 
   Closing a Conversation

   Know how to end a conversation. Remember that the purpose of networking is to meet as many individuals as possible within a short period of time. The best way to end a conversation is to say something like, "If I can do anything to assist you, let me know and it was a pleasure meeting you". We all love it when people offer to help us in some way. It makes us feel good, so share the love!

Tips & Warnings

• Remember - the best way to get better at networking is Practice, Practice, PRACTICE!!! No one ever does it perfectly the first time, so do not get discouraged.
• Networking can be addictive and it can be GREAT for business.

[klnygaard]

on 11/20/2008 fantastic--I will need to work on my elevator speech

[leighcamp1]

on 5/27/2008 Excellent business advice! No one really understands how important networking is until they have to make connections for business. This is a great step-by-step How To that should benefit anyone who wants to learn how to market themselves or their firm!5 stars!

[innovations]

on 5/6/2008 THANKS FOR THE IDEAS!

[Admin911]

on 4/21/2008 Amy:

Thank you so much for your comment! I am glad that you found it helpful in your pursuit. I wish you continued success in your venture!

[amylaine]

on 4/20/2008 Great article.