IWIB 2010 Business Awards

Newsletter

First Name:
Last Name:
Business Name:
Email Address:

Next Event

Date:

    19/03/2010

Guest Speaker:

  OPEN NETWORKING OVER A COFFEE (or two)

  IWIB COFFEE CLUB

Media Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Networking Tips

How do I network?

Effective networking comes with practice and as long as you have done some preparation - develop a short snappy introduction and remember to take your business cards, put a smile on your face and relax, you will find - with practice, the rest comes naturally.

Top tips to help you make the most of networking. How you can improve your networking skills?

Arriving

• Arrive on time for the event – it always seems a lot easier to introduce yourself to someone when you are one of the first arrivals.

Business cards

• If people are interested in what you do generally they will ask for a card – don’t offer your card right at the outset.

Connecting

• Treat everyone the same and never make assumptions about the people you meet.

Don’t ask, offer!

• Offer information and contacts to match the links. It provides a reason for follow-up and staying in contact.

Finally

• If you have tried all the tips and you still don’t feel comfortable 'try' again! Practice makes perfect.

Follow up

• Try to follow up with people you have met (recap on your notes on business cards, add useful contacts to your database).

Listen

• Listen to what other people do first and (everyone is interested if you’re interested in them) and listen for link words that connect with who you are and what you do.

Mix

• If you are not very confident try not to attach yourself (like glue) to the first person you get speaking to. Remember the person you are talking to, whilst they might be enjoying your company, probably wants to be able to chat to one or two other people as well.

Planning

• Choose carefully the events you go to.

Taking notes

• As a memory aid it can often be useful to jot down a few notes about the person on the back of their business card.

Talking

• Keep conversation to neutral topics, avoid taking over the conversation. Ask questions that require more than yes/no answers.

Networking is simply building and forging relationships but the benefits can be tremendous. By joining a networking initiative such as Illawarra Women in Business (IWIB), you become part of a helpful network, which offers networking in a supportive and non-threatening environment.

Being part of a network can help eliminate any fear and help you network your way to success.