Networking Tips & Horror Stories

[Tecknowoman]

There are networking gems all over the place so I thought it'd be nice to start a thread specifically on successful networking.

I agree strongly with some points made elsewhere such as informal networking can work really well. No surprises because successful networking is about building relationships and informal networking generally starts with the relationship.

I think it was WordMistress who wrote networking is about giving and giving and I tend to agree with that as well.

My tips are:

• have a purpose
• Know why you're networking in the first place
• Have an elevator pitch
• Be brave enough to include what you're looking for in clients or partnerships etc
• work the room
• don't corner people
• for goodness sake - follow-up
• don't add people to your list without consent

Some bad networking experiences - having cards taken and being spammed, being cornered by a woman who wouldn't let me not sign up to her daily emails that I didn't want (she pushed me so hard I almost hard to be blatantly rude to escape, politeness hadn't worked), being a genuine, qualified buyer for some people who couldn't be bothered following up ...

What are your best tips or horror stories?

[JakeThomas]

Ahh, good old networking! Personally, I'm a huge fan - I like the more laid back, relaxed approach personally though.

I wrote an article recently (here) with a few tips and tricks I picked up along the way. Very similar to yours, but to summarise they are:

- Be genuine
- Shop around
- Set goals
- Volunteer
- Be interested
- Become a resource
- Have a clear introduction
- Know what you are looking for
- Follow through
- Stay in contact

I've had a pretty good run with networking so far, but one horror story that still makes me laugh.

I was midway through earing about a new product that another attendee was about to launch when another lady came up, excused herself and then proceeded to give us both a 2 minute introduction to her and her services. She then handed us both her business card and proceeded onto the next group of people. Needless to say, we both just threw her card into the bin and went back to our conversation!

- Jake

[profitclinic]

Oh, yes... I remember several years spent on the speaking circuit for business networks in the 90s. So many people just don't get it.

I find the best results come from giving and giving and giving some more... being a valuable resource for people with limited experience, lots of anxiety and enthusiasm. Just like being on forums, really. Have a bunch of business cards that work their little backsides off for you and never, EVER become a pest or pontificator.

I always take plenty of goodies to give away (NOT sales pitches -- solid content that will build awareness and credibility that people soon come to find intriguing, plus tickets to free seminars, webinars, etc.) and I make sure I go home empty-handed. The phone typically starts ringing within hours, I find.

Ill health over the past 5 years has slowed me down on the networking scene, but I've always found it to be one of the most productive business-getting activities of all -- but only when it's done intelligently.

John

[gcpets]

What I'm finding in my networking adventures is that some people treat their business cards like candy. They'll give them without me specifically asking. One tip I learnt very early on and I thank the person for it -- I wait until I'm asked for my card. I have a select number in my pocket (5-10) and if I run out ... I run out. A few people have asked me why I don't have my name on the front or back of my business card: I have a "box area" instead. In this box area I will write my name + maybe a little message so they remember me (based on what we were talking about). I feel this makes the card more personal as I took the time (even if it is just a minute) to actually HAND WRITE my name on the back and/or a special message.

I wish people would stop treating their business cards like candy. Treat them like $1 million bills - would you give $1 million dollars to "just anyone" ? :-)

This is one of the reasons why I don't think BNI will be my cup of tea personally however I'll go check it out.

Granted, I'm not perfect. I've been guilty of a few of the things you "should NOT do" when networking. I don't now. I've grown. :-D

[bbanne]

I call it sharing, rather than giving, because networking is like a pool of shared knowledge. There is always someone around who has an answer or a contact. My best tip is to honestly be yourself. That is your biggest advantage, isn't it?

My only horror stories are about pushy people but you get them everywhere. Too focused on themselves and not enough on others.

[Tecknowoman]

I had a coffee with a man I know who brought up a new networking issue today. The name tags that only have one way of attachment a one directional clip that doesn't turn and has no pin. If a woman hasn't thought of her networking name tage attachment beforehand and has to place it in the centre of the shirt around her cleavage it can be decidedly uncomfortable for men at mixed networking. There is no real polite way to stare at a woman's cleavage especially if you have trouble reading the tag to try to find out her name!! Oh too funny hearing his story. So organisers get different name tags and ladies think about the attachment options of your clothing choice!

This is not something I'd ever considered before!!!!

[MihadAli]

I'm quite a shy gal but making it a goal this year to get out and start connecting with people.

[Burgo]

Used to enjoy networking evenings, small informal group. Enjoy listening to younger people discussing what they are doing and how they want to achieve these goals.
Also enjoy the humour, the good and the bad stories.
Just a word here or a word there of encouragement, goes such a long way.
Having received that word or given that word, you leave that networking event feeling good.
It is really all about listening, encouraging and being a friend.

[Matthew Keath]

My goal is to go and smooze every opp I get.

You never know what could happen or who you could meet.

[MihadAli]

My goal is to go and smooze every opp I get.

You never know what could happen or who you could meet.

Small steps for me but that is the ultimate goal