Networking
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NETWORKING TIPS •
Set reasonable expectations. Do you want to join an organization? Meet a new friend?
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Introduce yourself. Nobody will know who you are if you don’t tell them.
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Take notes. It’s easy to forget details when you meet new people. Jot notes down on their business card or in a notebook.
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Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone who you aren’t. It will only hurt you later.
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Be conservative with business cards. Don’t hand them out to just anyone. Make sure it’s someone you connected with and who will remember you. It doesn’t do you any good to hand it out to someone who doesn’t know who you are.
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Give them a reason to remember you. Leave a positive impression so they'll want to stay connected.
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Ask questions. The only way to get to know someone or an organization is to ask questions.
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Be engaged. Have strong eye contact and positive body language. Small cues like these show listeners you’re interested in what they have to say.
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Repeat people’s names. Saying their name out loud both helps you remember it and shows them you’re listening.
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Remember a few key details about those you connect with for future conversations.
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Don’t be afraid to join in a conversation. If you have a comment, join in. Speaking up gives you a chance to introduce yourself at the end of your comment, if you haven’t already done so.
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Follow up with people you connect with. Let them know you enjoyed meeting them, and this will help them remember you afterwards.
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Stay in touch and develop a relationship. A relationship isn’t built on just one meeting.
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Share about experiences and connections. Show you have something to contribute to a relationship.
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Don’t ”work the room” too much. It’s better to get to know a few people well who will remember you than to talk briefly with everyone and have nobody remember you afterwards.
Source: (Brustein, 2014)
