DEFINITION OF NETWORKING

An long-term activity whereby an extended group of people with similar interests and/or concerns interact and remain in informal contact for mutual assistance and/or support. (source: www.dictionary.com)

• Where can you network?  Virtually everywhere: formal networking events, trade shows, business expos, professional associations, conferences, seminars and workshops, political or social events, fundraisers, golf courses, sports events, and many more.
• In networking events, most people wear a name tag.  Always wear yours on your right side as people will come up to you and shake your right hand with their right hand, and their eyes will automatically be directed to their left (your right).
• Walk in the room, and observe first.  Discreetly look around you to see who you think you would like to connect with.  Remember that others are doing the same, so stand up straight, smile and put your best foot forward.
• When selecting a new person to meet, consider first someone who is not speaking with anyone.  Walk up to that person, glance at his/her name tag, and introduce yourself using that person's name.  The first impression is crucial as people will form an opinion of you in the first 15~20 seconds, so make sure you present yourself in a proper manner.
• If a person you previously met is engaged in a conversation, and you would like to get reacquainted, do NOT interrupt.  It is rude, pushy, and will not be appreciated.  Either find someone else for the moment, or walk toward the person of interest but stay a couple of feet away.  If that person notices you, and indicates s/he realizes you wish to speak with him/her, politely signal that you will wait until s/he is finished.
• You may try and join a group engaged in a conversation, but your approach should be considerate of others in that group.  Likewise, if you are in a group and another person would like to join, invite him/her in.
• Understand and accept that you will not click with everybody, so don't waste time with people who seem to "reject" you.  Move on to those who exhibit a much friendlier behavior.
• Always introduce yourself in a pleasant, friendly way, and smile.
• Always bring your business cards and exchange them after you have established rapport.  When receiving a business card from a person you just met, take the time to read it before putting it away.
• People love to talk about themselves, and so do you.  Remember to have a dialogue, not a monologue. Show interest in what the people you are meeting are saying, make them feel good, and they will reciprocate.
• Be warm, sincere, caring, gracious, show good nature, a positive attitude and a sense of humor.  Establish an honest rapport upon which you can build a relationship.  Think of them before you think of yourself, and offer information that is useful to them.
• Gold is in the follow-up.  Meeting new people is not enough you must nurture these new relationships.  Start with sending a little thank you card, something that will make your new contacts smile, remember you, and make you stand out of the crowd.  Simply thank them for the courtesy they extended you during the event you attended.  Time when you think they will receive your card, call them very shortly thereafter, and continue developing the relationship.