How to Network

Getting the Most out of Business Networking

Business networking is when a group of like minded business people meet together and help each other out. Networking is about building relationships and focusing on helping your fellow networkers. In turn, you will build trust driven relationships and realize gains on your investment.

If you take the "what's in it for me" approach, other networkers will see straight through the "it's all about me" attitude. Look at networking as a long term relationship building process more than a short term, quick return on investment.

Most networking groups will ebb and flow in their size. However, it is not the size of the network group that makes the difference. Even if a network group is small, the quality of leads produced by that group may be much better than a larger group of networkers.

The 10 Laws of Networking are good general guidelines for building effective networking relationships.

1) Drop the "what is in it for me?" attitude.
2) Listen.
3) Build a relationship.
4) Give the first referral.
5) Tell others of the referral you require; "show them" with a story.
6) Be specific of the type of referral.
7) Reciprocate when appropriate.
8) Participate in the network executive, functions, and network time.
9) Thank the person who gave a referral.
10) Follow up on the referral within 24 hours.

Go to a networking function with a goal in mind. Keep your goal focused more on "meeting' and "understanding" two or three people for an event. If your goal is to pass out as many business cards as possible, you are missing opportunities to develop long term relationships. Business cards do not build relationships. People build relationships. Happy networking!