10 Tips for Successful
Business Networking
by Stephanie Speisman
Effective business
networking is the linking together of individuals who, through trust and relationship
building, become walking, talking advertisements for one another. 1. Keep in mind that
networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how
you can help others. 2. Ask yourself what your
goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you
get what you are looking for. Some meetings are based more on learning, making
contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making business
connections. 3. Visit as many groups as
possible that spark your interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound
supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Many groups
will allow you to visit two times before joining. 4. Hold volunteer positions
in organizations. This is a great way to
stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you. 5. Ask open-ended questions
in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as
opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of
questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested
in them. 6. Become known as a
powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn
to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you
visible to them. 7. Have a clear
understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it
special or different from others
doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear
understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others. 8. Be able to articulate
what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, "How
may I help you?" and no immediate answer comes to mind. 9. Follow through quickly
and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are
a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow. 10. Call those you meet who
may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask
if you could get together and share ideas.
Stephanie Speisman is a
Success Coach who coaches groups and individuals in business networking skills
based on her booklet "99 Tips for Successful Business Networking." www.strategiesforchange.com | 
