Tips for Successful Business Networking

Show up early, ready to work, full of cards. Prepared and enthusiastic.
If you attend a business event with a friend or associate, split up. It’s a waste of time to walk, talk, or sit together.
Walk the crowd once. Get familiar with the people and the room.

Shake firmly. No one wants to shake hands with a dead fish.

Make your 30-second commercial compelling to listen to. Ask and tell.

Have your 30-second commercial down pat. But not canned.

Be happy, enthusiastic, and positive. Don’t be grumbling or lamenting your “tough day”. People want to do business with a winner, not a whiner.

Don’t waste time if the person isn’t a good prospect. Disengage gracefully.

Don’t butt-in. Interrupting can create a bad first impression. Stand close by, and when a pause or opening appears, jump in.

Eat early. It’s hard to eat and mingle. Get your fill when you first arrive so you are free to shake hands, talk without spitting food, and work the crowd effectively.

Don’t drink. If everyone else is a bit loose, you’ll have the distinct advantage by being sober. Have a few beers after the event to celebrate all your contacts.

Stay until the end. The longer you stay, the more contacts you’ll make.

Event selection is as important as networking itself. Select those events that may attract your costumer, or people who you want to get to know. Many people go to networking events. Very few actually know how to network effectively.