I have been networking in business settings for about 4 years now and have learned (the hard way for a while) the "do's" and "don't's" of networking and I hope you will take this information and apply it to your networking efforts.
You introduce yourself first! It shows your power and interest in meeting other people!
Always introduce yourself using your first and last name!! Very important - they will remember this gesture and you sound more confident.
Always ask THEM what they do FIRST!! Do not just tell them all about you and your business and drop a card! (They will throw it away, I know I do when people do that to me) Show a genuine interest in what they do and how you can refer them business as well.
When you talk about yourself, share a story (yours or a testimonial that they can relate to) Do not try to give the the comp plan in the "readers digest version" you will RUN THEM OFF!!
How can you help them? The more people we can help the more successful we will be. They may never do business with you but they may be your greatest source of referrals!
You are not there to "close" a deal! You are there to "Open" a new relationship with someone! (Strategic alliances)
FOLLOW UP!! Follow up with them and stay in touch with them. Develop a new friendship!
People do business with the people they know, like and trust!!! They dont care how much you know until they know how much you care!!
Happy Networking!!
