Tuesday, January 26, 2010

The Top 5 Networking Tips

In this age of technology many have turned to the internet and social networking sites. These sites may help you reach out to people all over the country.

However, you can still be very effective networking in person by joining various organizations.

By networking in person you will build lasting relationships that help you market your business or find employment. Here are some tips to be successful in your networking.

1. Choose to join or attend as many organizations or associations that you have interest in. You will find that each group will have a different focus.

Some may be centered around building business relationships while others may be focused on volunteering. You should determine what you hope to gain from joining the association.

This will help you decide if a particular organization will help you accomplish your goals.

2. Be mindful that networking is about building relationships and being yourself. Networking gives you the opportunity to help others.

An excellent way to be successful at networking is to volunteer within the organization. When you become part of the organization you will stay visible to the others within the organization - and it is also a great way to give back to an organization that has helped you.

3. During your networking meeting you should practice asking others open-ended questions.

This means to ask who, what, when and where. Asking questions that require more than a yes or a no will help spark conversation as well as show the person you are interested in what they have to say.

4. Be articulate. Being able to communicate well about what you do and who you do it for will help you get others to refer customers to you.

Additionally, being articulate when asking someone for their assistance or when they ask how they can help you is very important.

Know exactly what you need and why it is of importance to your business.

5. Follow up quickly with any referrals that have been sent to you. When someone gives you a referral it is also a reflection on them and you do not want to disappoint your networking connection.

Additionally, you should thank your networking colleague for the referral regardless of whether business is obtained from it as they will be apt to send you more if you acknowledge their referral.

By : Tony_Jacowski

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