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Keith Ferrazzi again imparts his wisdom on the subject of effective networking strategies:

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Top 10 Conference Networking Tips

By Scott Allen, About.com Guide to Entrepreneurs since 2002

I just attended a session at SXSW Interactive by networking expert and author Thom Singer on how to network a big multi-day conference. Thom had a handout with his top 10 tops, which he’s graciously allowed me to share with you.
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One of the main reasons that people site for attending a conference is the networking opportunities. Yet they often leave the event feeling they made few or no connections. Here are 10 Tips to help you get the most out of connecting with others at a conference:

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Enjoy the following video by Keith Ferrazzi, author of ‘Never Eat Alone’

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What do you think? Is the investment worth it? Have you seen measurable results from your networking time investment? Comment below and let me know your thoughts.

What the heck is a Tweet? And how can it help me with my business networking?

Well… a ‘tweet’ is a 140 character (or less) message on Twitter.com which basically answers the 1st question most people ask when calling someone on the phone: “What Are You Doing?“.

At first, many people think it’s a trivial concept. I mean, who cares if someone is ‘making oatmeal for the kids’, or ‘putting files in briefcase ‘cuz late for work yet again’, or ‘tired and getting ready for bed’…

But when you look a little more closely, you’ll soon realize it is an amazingly powerful concept. Not only in business, be it online or offline, but in many many ways, people around the world are benefitting from Twitter.

Do you think Facebook, the social networking GIANT, would offer $500 million to buy Twitter if there wasn’t tremendous value behind the brand and their platform? That, in and of itself warrants further research, wouldn’t you agree?

Watch the Common Craft video to see what Twitter is in Plain English:

Follow me on Twitter to see what I’m up to and to get the inside scoop on some networking articles, videos, and tips: My Twitter Profile

Comment on this article if you have any thoughts about Twitter and how you may be now, or envision yourself using it.

Networking Success – 7 Tips for Giving Compliments That Connect and Attract Clients

Paying a sincere compliment is an ideal way to connect with someone at a networking event because it attracts people to you, helps solidify bonds, and lifts people’s spirits.

A sincere compliment is like a gift because it makes both you and the receiver feel good. It’s an ideal way to break the ice and connect at a business or social event. It’s worthwhile learning how to compliment people the right way. Here are 5 tips for giving compliments that connect people and attract interaction.

1. Be sincere. It’s easy to tell the difference between a true compliment, and sounding like you are kissing up. What’s the difference? Only compliment something that deserves it. If the speech was a flop, compliment the speaker instead on their savvy handling of the Q&A. It’s easy to spot phoniness, and people know what they did well, and where they fell short of the mark.

2. Be specific. Instead of saying: You are a wonderful cook, say: Your chocolate mousse was decadent. Do you have a special recipe? Instead of saying: You look nice today, you can say: That scarf is a great color for you. Even more specific: That blue scarf is a great color because it matches your eyes.

3. Be careful of backhanded compliments. Have you ever been the victim of someone saying to you: Wow, what a change – you look so much better. It makes you wonder how bad you really looked last time. Instead, you can say: You look terrific. What’s your secret?

4. Cross gender compliments: When men compliment women, focus on accessories rather than clothing items. So you can compliment a woman on her necklace, but not her blouse. Even better, compliment her excellent speech or stellar performance on a major project. Women can also compliment a man’s tie, rather than a shirt. Women can be freer to compliment other women on their fabulous shoes or dress, when men should steer away from anything too personal in complimenting women. They can be perceived as being too forward.

5. Be appropriate: Consider the setting and your relationship with the person. Commenting on a colleague’s new hair color is fine, but mentioning it to your boss is stepping out of bounds. Or telling the bride that she looks lovely is fine, but save your congratulations on her losing 50 pounds for private time.

Do you have other ways to strengthen your business relationships? Comment below. I’d love to hear about them.

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

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.