Ten Excellent Networking Tips

Having just attended two networking events in an equal number of evenings (PR-Net and 27 Dinner), I had the opportunity to practice some of the tips I learnt from Colette Carlson’s “Communication secrets to change your life” seminar last weekend. I’m still learning and some of these tips take a bit of practice (they don’t call it net-work for nothing), but I’ve found them to be incredibly useful:

1. Wear your stripes

Make sure to introduce yourself at every opportunity. Let people know who you are upfront. Don’t lose an opportunity by simply saying “Hi, I’m Robynn”. Rather say “Hi, I’m Robynn Burls, the owner of Encyclomedia, the online media database for the PR industry. And you are?” Now people know who you are and it opens the opportunity for them to ask you more about what you do.

2. Introduce yourself to the loners – you’ll be their heroNo-one likes to be standing alone at a networking event, it’s embarrassing! It makes you do stupid things like pretend you’re checking email on your cell (and we all know you’re really only trying to look busy).

Make a point of walking up to the person and introduce yourself. The loners will be so grateful to finally be involved that they won’t be able to forget you. Remember, the objective behind good networking is to become memorable in the minds of others.

3. Bring outsiders into the conversation – more hero-factor

When you’re chatting in a group and you see that certain individuals are being side-lined, pull them back into the conversation by saying “John, what do you think about that?” By giving him the opportunity to get back into the group, you’ll make yourself more memorable to John.

Also, when you are talking, be inclusive and connect with everyone’s eyes, not just the person who asked you a question.

4. Lost and alone? Start a conversation

It’s always tough, if not a little daunting, when attending an event alone. Don’t get stuck in a quiet corner playing with your phone. Walk straight up to the busiest area, normally the bar, or around the registration table. Remember to smile, it makes you look more approachable – people like friendly people. Find another person and casually comment ”I don’t know anyone here. How about you?” Read the rest of this entry

Successful Networking for Introverts – Three Proven Strategies

How many times have you stood at the entrance to a networking mixer frozen in fear? “A root canal would be easier than this,” you say to yourself. Having to make small talk with strangers, trying to be interesting and charming, is not your strength nor your idea of a good time. But you believe that if you can just endure this for an hour, you might walk away with some valuable new contacts. The reality is that your discomfort often has negative results, and you don’t gain the new relationships you had sought.

In the 1930s, Swiss psychologist Carl Jung coined the term introvert as someone who tends to find his psychological energy within… in the world of thought, contemplation and reflection. This inward focus can result in a tendency to pull back and maintain a safe distance, especially around new people.

In the world of networking, introverts can face a long list of daunting challenges – not the least of which is sending nonverbal messages that may be misinterpreted as aloofness. And “aloof” is not a good message when your purpose is to mix, mingle, and foster new relationships.

As a card-carrying introvert myself (by Jung’s definition), I’ve developed some guidelines that have always worked well and have allowed me to be confident and outgoing at networking events. Practice these, and you will soon become the “master of the mixer”: Read the rest of this entry

One of the best networking books I’ve come across is The Go Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann and it gets our highest recommendation. This easy to read book does an excellent job of illustrating through parable, the new school approach to networking and building relationships.

Providing value first and foremost before ever expecting anything in return, be it business referrals or otherwise, is crucial in developing long-term business relationships.

Please watch the video book review below by Benjamin Bach

Looking for some valuable networking advice to carry with you to your next networking event? Watch this video by Andrea Nierenberg for some good thoughts.

Excellent customer service is virtually a necessity in today’s competition fierce business environment. As a product, service or solutions provider, you need to meet or EXCEED customer expectations… Do you?

In today’s world, relationships are more important than ever with your client base. You MUST make an impression. You MUST do your very best to be remembered. Keep in mind, that doesn’t have to mean some grandiose gesture. The little things really count. This is vital if you are looking for more repeat or referral business.

Learn a quick lesson from Frank the cab driver in the video below. Then go to the smart referral system to see the system he uses to make the lasting impression that you know you NEED to be making as well.

You can find more about Shep Hyken at his website.

Why is asking for referrals so hard to do sometimes? After all, word of mouth is the most effective form of advertising, so why do we jeopardize our own efforts by hesitating to talk about them? It’s almost like a dirty deed that we fear will make us look like aggressive salespeople rather than seasoned professionals.

Asking For Referrals Demonstrates the Following Important Elements:

1. Your Level of Confident Professionalism. The opposite is actually the truth. By not discussing, you are not showing the level of confidence required to build a successful business. While some people will be so impressed with what you do they will feel compelled to tell others, there are people that won’t be sure if you are receptive to new clients. How will they know you are open to referrals unless you start asking for referrals? Read the rest of this entry