Networking is more than just showing up.  It’s a combination of skill, confidence and clarity that make some people successful at it and others not.

In order to be an effective and successful networker you need to understand:

• How to introduce yourself
• What kinds of questions to ask to engage others
• How to successfully follow up

For some, these three basic skills come as easy as pie and for others it’s like trying to take candy from a toddler.  No matter what your skill level,  follow these simple tips to be a more effective networker.

How To Introduce Yourself

• Remember to state your full name.  Now some of you may be thinking “come on, forgetting your name?”  But it’s true that people often forget to state their name.  And make sure you state your full name. Don’t just say, “Hi, my name is Maureen”.   Try looking up “Maureen” in the phone book.

• People will often omit their company name when introducing themselves.  Your company name is just as important as your name.  You want the two to be joined together so that when people think of you, they automatically think of your company.

• Don’t forget a pithy elevator speech that grabs the attention of the person you are meeting and clearly states the value you offer your clients.

Questions You Should Ask

• When at a business networking event the easiest way to get the ball rolling is by talking about something you have in common – the event you are attending.  For example, if you are at a Chamber event you can ask if they have every attended a Chamber event, etc.  Once the ice has been broken and the small talk is done you can go on to other topics.

• I love to ask people who they hope to meet at the event.  This gives me the opportunity to get to know the person and their business better.  If I can be of assistance  immediately, great.    If I don’t know someone at the event that can help them I make of a note of it on the back of their business card for future reference.  Either way I am remembered as a great resource.

• Ask your new connection if can send them an invite to connect on LinkedIn.  Don’t assume that everyone you meet wants to connect with you just because you are meeting them at a networking event. If they say yes don’t send the generic, “I want to add you to my professional network”  which translates too,  ” I could care less if you remember who I am “.  Send them a brief note that reinforces the conversation you had with them. Be memorable!

Following Up

OK, you have gone to the meeting, exchanged business cards, asked some great questions and were even able to connect some people together.  What’s next?  The follow up!  Networking is more that just showing up and it goes on long after the event is over.

• On average, each week I meet with at least two people that I have met through my networking efforts.  As I write this post I just came back from coffee with one colleague and lunch with another.

• If you meet someone knew at an event and they call you return their call promptly.  Failure to do so is business suicide.

• Be proactive and schedule time to get to know new business contacts by scheduling opportunities to  meet and learn more about their business and how you can help them achieve their goals.

These small gestures go a long way in being remembered.  It’s all about building quality relationships and these tips are just some tools in your business toolbox to achieve great networking results!

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