The lifeblood of modern business, networking is a vital tool for just about anyone with any interest in running their own business/department/team. Basically, anyone with half a brain should realize the importance of a large network of contacts—in industry, in the marketplace, in the media, or even with Average Joe on the street. Networking raises your personal and company profile, can be used to secure contracts or deals that may otherwise pass you by, and help cement links with clients, investors, suppliers and just about anyone else. However, some people find stepping into the potential social minefield that is the networking circuit to be intimidating, as well as very hard work. If you are one of these people, you need to realize that networking really isn’t that hard—you do it most of the time without even realizing it.
Before you even start to think about networking in earnest, prepare yourself with an arsenal of materials. The Chinese (undisputed masters of the art of business networking) have a simple rule of thumb whenever they go out on business: get business cards printed. Ninety percent of businesses in the U.S. don’t use business cards period, and of those who do only 25 percent keep them updated regularly. Once you get your cards, you should carry at least twenty on your person at all times, preferably in a nice little business card case. Make sure all details are up to date—the card should feature your name, job title, contact telephone number, business address and email as a minimum, and you should also consider including some of your skills and areas of expertise on the back.
Then, buy a second business card holder fro all the cards you receive. Always keep a pen and paper on hand to write down the name and details of anyone who doesn’t have a card, and the minute you get to the office or your computer write everything down in a database. Write where you met, what they do, and any other info you can remember, and build up a definitive list of the people you meet who you may be able to work with in some capacity in the future.
Be confident in your networking, and always think long-term. Don’t discount someone as a contact because they may not be able to help you out immediately. Don’t run up to people demanding their assistance, either. Networking is a two-way street, and quite often it pays big dividends to be the person offering help, rather than the one asking for it. Make yourself useful to your contacts, start building a relationship, and then take things from there.
Always be polite and cordial, even if you think the entire population of the room/party/event you are at are insipid pond scum not worth the light of day. The irritating, pompous pest with an attitude problem and personal hygiene to rival your average skunk may one day turn out to be your best client, or the one man in town who can provide what you need.
I was just at a conference in New York that was a great networking resource.
http://www.fundingpost.com matches entrepreneurs with VC’s and angel investors face to face through their events (and on-line).
They also have a great survey tool that I used before I attended the event to see how worthy my business was for VC funding.
http://www.ventureworthy.com
Heather Coull´s last blog ..Investor Profile: Connecticut Innovations
Good post !! It will be useful for the person searching for networking tips.Thanks for your support.