Take These 7 Networking Tips Seriously

Networking is one of the keys to your success as
an entrepreneur. While we have all been able to
do a bit of these online. Research has shown that
showing up at events, conferences and
gatherings of like minds within and outside your
industry is a smart way to grow your business
through the power of networking.
The Printivo put together seven simple and easy
tips to make the best out of networking:
1. Networking is not about your business
card. One great mistake people make is to think
networking is about business card exchange. The
idea is to connect with people, your business
card is just a tool to create a face for yourself
and your business. Focus more on connecting
with people instead of just handling out your
business cards.
2. Join conversations with respect . Waiting
around for someone to actually come to you to
start a conversation doesn’t work. Walk up to
people and start or join conversations. Ask
simple questions like “May I join you” or “What
brings you to this event?” Don’t forget to listen
intently to their replies. Listen as much as you
speak. Networking is not about talking about
yourself. It’s more about connecting with like
minds for future purposes.
3. Ditch the sales pitch. Hey, you are here to
build relationships and now sell yourself. Focus
more and that rather than trying to close sales
at networking events. One thing we have
discovered is that the people who make the best
out of networking are those who focus on
relationships. Trying to sell to people the first
time you met them outs them off.
4. Share your passion passionately. There’s a
saying, if you not passionate about what you do,
no one else will. When you meet people and
conversations are on about your business, idea
or anything you represent. Show how passionate
you are about it. The enthusiasm in your voice
will spread to other. Ensure your are doing this
without forcing sales on people.
5. Put a smile on your face. If I walk into a
room looking for who to talk to, chances are I
would work towards the people on whose faces I
can see beautiful smiles. You can never go wrong
with smile, While this Is often overlooked, it’s
one if the reason most people don’t get
approached during networking events. Be the
awesome smiling person people want to talk to.
6. Don’t take over people’s the
conversation. When you notice you are the only
one talking and every other person is nodding
their head. Hello, You have hijacked the
conversation. Now this is a point you need to
slow down and start listening and be eager to
ear from others. Remember, It’s not always
about you. It’s about the people you are
connecting with it.
7. Show up, Follow up. Showing up at events is
one thing, following is another. The key to
keeping your contacts close is to follow up and
keep in touch. Do ensure you follow up within
48hrs after the event when everyone can still
remember every thing.

Editor’s note: This piece first appeared on
Printivo(www.printivo.com)