Top Ten Networking Tips

1. There are many networking events
available - make sure you spend time
selecting which ones are most relevant for
you and plan to attend them.

2. Make sure you always have a good supply of
business cards – and that you are happy with
the impression of you that they create.

3. Try to understand whatever constraints
prevent you from becoming a good
networker - be brave, face up to them
and work hard at eliminating them.

4. There is no perfect way of networking. It
is important that you develop your own
style and are comfortable with it – people
will notice if you are not.

5. First impressions count – try to understand
how and where your network contacts will
first encounter you.

6. The “in your face selling” approach is not
networking.

7. Develop your own “elevator pitch” – a
brief, succinct description of what you do
and who you are.

8. One of the biggest hurdles in networking is
to maintain it in the long term – develop a
plan to stay in touch with people.

9. Your network contact details should be
stored in a contact database, which you
should manage and nurture - this requires
long-term commitment.

10. Go the extra mile to stay in touch with
your network – it is this that often makes
you stand out from the crowd.

Courtesy of Diana Watson,
Bespoke Marketing & Consulting