12 Tips for Better Networking

Digging through notes from my oldYahoo account, I found this.  It’s tips from a class I took nine years ago, and it is still relevant today.

  1. See Yourself as a resource for others.
  2. Seek common personal and professional interests.
  3. Balance the amount of time you talk and listen
  4. Introduce yourself to ‘people of influence’.
  5. Join other conversations already in progress.
  6. Introduce colleagues to help them increase their contacts.
  7. Offer and seek referral when you feel it is appropriate.
  8. Circulate and talk to as many people as possible.
  9. End your conversations on a positive note and ask for the person’s business card or way to stay in contact.
  10. Promptly call or send information to a contact after the event.
  11. Follow up periodically on all your networking contacts.
  12. Help others achieve their professional or personal goals and they will think of you when they or someone they know needs your skills or service.