Expert Advice about Business Networking
By Valerie Gurka
April 14, 2008

* When going to a network event, talk to 10 people.  Try to really connect with 3 of those people.

* Describe your business in the clearest and the most brief way possible, bringing out the salient points within about 15-20 seconds.

* Pitch but don't sell.  You're just trying to make a connection.
Make the sale after you've established the relationship.

* Be the first to introduce yourself.  Be the first to ask for the business card.

* Introduce people that you meet to each other.  You will be seen as a center of influence.

* Do more listening than talking.  It's easy for someone to connect with you if they feel that you have listened and shown interest in them.

* Write down some things on the business card that interest you about the person, along with the date and where you met them.  Nobody needs a shoebox of business cards of unknown and forgotten people.

* Follow up with people that you enjoyed meeting at the networking event, but sending a nice email or letter, or invitation to another networking event.

* Go to three types of networking events.  Make sure you have at least one of each category to attend regularly.
1)  Trade or Business Related such as the American Nurses Association, Investment Banking Dinners or Technology Club Meetings, or general business groups such as Chamber of Commerce or BNI

   2)  Social Related, such as wine tasting happy hours or charity events or launch parties for new businesses

   3) Hobby Related, such as a hiking club, book review club, boating association, or political/religious interests

Will be updating soon.

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