10 Tips To Make Your Networking More Rewarding

Good relationships are essential to any career. It doesn’t matter ifn you have your own business or work for someone else that network isn critical. Lawyers, solo professionals, freelancers, and salesn professionals must constantly network and generate new business. You prove you
worth to your employer by bringing in new business. Those who do notn network will not advance their careers as rapidly as those who do. You findn your next employer by keeping your network alive and active.

1. Review the names in your address book on a regular basis. Plan ton have lunch with one of the people or invite the person to a networking orn social function. Work becomes fun when your networking connectionsn become friends and you are likely to do more business.

2. Before you attend a networking event, think of a few topics thatn would be interesting to discuss with people. Keep the conversationn flowing by asking thoughtful questions of the people you meet. That way whenn you meet a great contact you’ll be able to reference the conversationn when you reconnect with them.

3. Using email is a great way to connect with others, but make sure ton move on to other methods of communication. Talk to the person by then phone, or if possible get together for coffee and start to build an relationship.

4. Don’t rush the process or expect too much too soon. Networkingn feels awkward at first and often those who are new at it becomen discouraged. It becomes easier and more natural after a while. Don’t focus onn getting a client/customer/job. Focus on building a relationship.

5. Don't get stuck talking to the same person all evening. You aren there to meet several people. Excuse yourself from the present companyn every five to ten minutes with a pleasantry such as, "It was nice meetingn you . " and move on to introduce yourself to someone new.

6. Keep good records of your networking contacts. Whenever you connectn with someone online, on the phone, or in person, jot down a few notesn to remind you of who they are and what you talked about. Record then ideas you have about working with that person too so you can schedule an future meeting to discuss those ideas.

7. If the event has a speaker or if someone at the event receives ann award be sure to acknowledge the person if appropriate. People alwaysn appreciate positive reinforcement. You can do this at the networkingn event or write them a note afterwards.

8. When entering a conversation first listen to how you can help then other people in the group. Don’t try to dominate the conversation orn focus it on yourself. Your goal is not to control the conversation but ton participate in it. When appropriate offer information about yourselfn that will be interesting to your new contacts.

9. The purpose of networking events is to make connections not to getn business. Ultimately you will get business from it but don’t expect itn to happen immediately. Your success rate will improve if you have a given and take attitude. Listen to what other people do and show interestn in their work.

10. Some people find networking events a little intimidating. If thisn happens to you, try attending with a friend who is in a differentn business so that you can help each other out. You can work as a team,n introducing each other and giving testimonials about each others business.
This will build your confidence as well as your credibility to others.