Hot Networking Tactics

Author: Youth 2 Youth.

So you're into networking? Here's some hot tactics to make the most of your time and develop your new-found relationships.

Be Strategic

By now you should have the confidence and basic networking skills for you to enjoy and benefit from every one of your networking experiences. You've got some key contacts, and a thirst for more.

It's time to get strategic. You should now know which type of networking experiences you typically get the most out of. Perhaps you find your professional association contacts a bit dry and boring but love attending a particular event or regular group meeting? Don't cut the old ties, just focus more on the ones you can see yourself benefiting from (and enjoying!).

Start by planning your year (or what remains of it). Be strategic about the events and groups that you will frequent. Decide on you level of involvement with each of them as well (will you volunteer more time with any of them, perhaps write their newsletter or organise a fundraiser?), and weigh up what spending more time and energy on each will actually achieve. Of course, as well as penciling in these 'must-go' networking opportunities, you also need to leave time for those that you may not have heard about yet, such as one-off events or launches.

As well as making these choices and scheduling them into your business and social life, it can be a good idea to start a networking budget. This should include money for events and membership fees, extra money for unplanned or unexpected opportunities that come up, and small portion of money to spend on your networking 'weapons' to make an impact (see below). A budget will naturally make you more strategic in your approach to networking as not only is it a self-allocated source of funds for your activities, but it also makes you think carefully about what you do an don't want to attend.

Weaponry

Business cards, conversation starters and the ability to quickly identify relationship possibilities are the three pillars of networking basics. But these things are also expected of business people. Go the extra mile by arming yourself with some extra weapons to develop existing relationships and establish some great new ones. These things will also ensure that you're remembered by the people that you meet!

Here's some ideas:

Networking cards

• Get some business-card size cards created that explain what you do. This is especially suitable for businesses that often have complicated terms or concepts. Provide definitions of those terms as well as a way to find out more information.
• This is also great if you are a member of a networking group/club looking for members, as it can explain what the group does and provide contact details.

Mini-Newsletters

• Print a small newsletter about your activities to hand out to people who you end up in deep conversations with, especially if they appear genuinely interested in more information about what you do, on the spot. The newsletter should be just that, news. Don't ever try to sell anything at a networking event.

Referral business cards

• Carry the cards of businesses you know and trust. If you meet someone and end of recommending one of the businesses you have a card for, hand them a card! It's a good idea to write on the back of each card, "Referred by your name" so that the person remembers you and mentions you to the business. You always get back what you give out, so make sure you refer professional, ethical colleagues who deserve the promotion.

A funny business card holder/case

• Many net workers (and women in particular) carry a slim, small business card case. Turn it into a conversation starter and talking point by choosing a funnily shaped or brightly coloured one. Of course, make sure the case isn't rude!

Your diary

• Absolutely essential incase you need to schedule a time for further discussion with a new colleague. They are much more likely to follow up on your discussion if you set up a time right away, rather than if you contact them later (which should be doing with all your contacts anyway!).

Name tag

• Get a name tag made that has your business logo on it. Carry it everywhere. This means you can easily deal with events that do not provide name tags or ones where they may have spelt your name wrong. It also means people remember your tag, especially if its bright and attractive. Wear your tag on the left had side so as not to block it when you shake hands with people.

Somewhere to put collected cards

• Where do you put the cards you collect at an event? Whatever you do, don't put them in your own business card case or, especially in the case of men, in the same jacket pocket that has your own cards. It doesn't look that good to a new contact if you have to shuffle through ten cards before finding your own, so decide ahead of time where to put them.
• Ladies, if you have no hand baggage or pockets, then put them at the back of your card case, and keep your own cards at the front.

The ladies room

• Women shouldn't underestimate the power of the ladies room! We all know how much gossip and chit chat goes on in there, so use the time spend refreshing your lipstick or washing your hands to casually chat with others. Keep the conversation casual and non-business oriented if you are the one starting it up.

Record Important Dates and Facts

There are many ways to keep in touch with your network (emails, newsletters, etc) but it's often useful to note down specific dates and facts about each person. An email on each person's Birthday is a nice idea, as well as Christmas or Easter cards from your business. You may even like to post or email to your database an amusing or exciting snapshot of something you have achieved or done recently (collecting your business award onstage?).

Write down important facts about the people you meet on the back of their cards, and review these regularly.

For example, you might write: "James lives with his brother Mike, a construction worker who is renovating their home. James loves motor cycles and rides every other weekend, and has bought a new bike."

Next time you meet or contacts James you have some great conversation starters, like "How are the renovations coming along?" and "How have you been finding the new bike?"

Think Outside the Square

Almost every experience you have in your life is a networking opportunity. Of course, you don't want to become too obsessed with that fact, but nevertheless, take your cards everywhere! After all, how many times have you bumped into someone at the shopping center, in the queue at the bank, at a friend's place or at social engagement (party, BBQ)?

'Networking' events and regular group meetings (professional associations etc) aren't the only places to network. Be prepared to meet new people (including possible clients and suppliers) at professional development events (conferences, workshops, training sessions) as well as at exhibitions, trade fairs, in foyers and elevators, and at social functions.

More Information

Speak to your networking contacts, business mentors or colleagues about their hot tips for networking. You may be surprised at what they know and practice! You can also get some great books on networking, so you may want to invest in one.

A popular author and expert in Australia is Robyn Henderson. Most networking groups and opportunities can be found online or though word of mouth!

And remember, practice makes perfect!

'Copyright 2003 Youth 2 Youth'

Disclaimer: This article is for your information, but it may not apply to or be suitable for your situation, so seek professional advice. Youth 2 Youth cannot be held liable for anything resulting from how you use the information provided in this article.