Are You Good at Networking?

[Christine Keyworth]

Networking is just a term for meeting people whom you might like to do business with now or in the future. There are lots of networking events to attend in cities all over the world, not to mention the Networking that goes on in the internet social sites like Facebook. I find it quite enjoyable to meet like minded people at seminars, business card exchanges, and Chamber of Commerce events.

Some people are real social butterflies; they will attempt to meet everyone in the room. Other networkers will be happy to have some good discussion with only one or two people out of a room full. It really does not matter what type you are what matters is how you actually do your networking.

You want to be interested in other people what they do or what they need now. The purpose of networking is not for you to be interesting but to be interested. Of course you will want to have your powerful “elevator speech” ready to use, because networkers are curious and will ask you what you do. Ask questions find out what they do, just because someone says that they are a realtor, don’t think it stops there ask them if they have a specialty lots of people do.

Find out what they might need and how you can help them. You might jot down a few items on the back of their business card that they gave you. Would you remember someone who took notes about what you said? You might be able to help them with what they need by connecting them with someone who is in your network already. I like to keep a business card file with me so I can make referrals quickly and easily. I use a zippered notebook with plastic pages made for business cards and will have at least 4 business cards for each person in my network. I categorize them by industry like insurance, realtors, pets, and so on.  Now you can use your smart-phones and just bump them to exchange information, but I don’t think the smart phones will replace business cards not everyone has or wants one. You want to become the “go to person” the someone people in your network know they can depend on for helping people to achieve their business goals and personal dreams. Remember you can have everything you want if you help enough other people get what they want.