The Schmoozers Guide to Networking

Think you can get ahead just by working hard? Get real, chances are that you work in a people based business and need to know how to meet people. Here are some useful tips on how to become the king or queen of networking.

1. Get out there.

Experience makes a real difference, if there is an opportunity- go for it!

2. Bring cards…lots of cards.

The old business card swap is a networking classic ( P.S. Check out this guy! ).

3. Target people.

Proper networking events have lists of attendees, grab a pen and highlight those you need to talk to. This is a great time to understand their business.

4. Don’t get trapped.

You don’t want to get stuck with Colin from accounts all evening, make an excuse and move on. A simple one could be ‘I really need to catch up with ***** ****, lets meet later and talk some more’.

5. Follow our rapport tips.

Shameless BusinessBird self-promotion here.

6. Realise it is a two way street.

In your conquest for world domination, people are more likely to help you if you help them.

Take some time to listen to what they are saying, and think of ways you can help make their lives easier.

7. Ask questions.

Someone reminded me today of a phrase I go on and on about, “if you don’t ask you don’t get”.

By asking questions you are showing both an understanding of the discussion and are much more likely to get something out of it.

8. Be yourself.

It can be tempting to try and come across as someone you are not, nobody really likes these people.

If you are honest, open and remain vaguely professional then things are much more likely to go your way.

9. Make notes and follow up.

Write some details about them on the back on their business card, this is useful later on when you need to follow up with them.

10. Take a chance and don’t drink too much!

It can be intimidating walking up to someone you don’t know and chatting away, however the truth is most people in the room are feeling exactly the same way.

It might help to come up with a little ice breaker which is fairly generic and non-offensive (!), but don’t worry too much about reciting lines.

As a side note, be careful with the old vino, as the drunk guy doing the Macarena probably isn’t going to go far…