A new series of articles on Best Practices begins with this article on Networking.
A best practice is a method or technique that has consistently shown results superior to those achieved with other means, and that is used as a benchmark. In addition, a “best practice” can evolve to become better as improvements are discovered. Best practice is considered by some as a business buzzword used to describe the process of developing and following a standard way of doing things that multiple organizations can use. A best practice is a technique or methodology that, through experience and research, has proven to lead to a desired result. A commitment to using the best practices in any field is a commitment to using all the knowledge and technology at one’s disposal to ensure success.
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Best Practices in Networking Include the following:
- Present yourself well. Business networking is often about first impressions, and first impressions are often about presentation. At face-to-face events, dress well, polish how you speak, make eye contact, and generally present yourself to impress others with your professionalism and charisma.
- Always network. Without turning yourself into someone who is prepared to collar all passersby with your story, treat social events – a party, a ball game, a play – as an opportunity to meet new acquaintances.
- Help others. While your ultimate goal may be to find investors or customers or to improve your own business chances and conditions, you are also in a position to help others. Offer whatever resources you can – advice, contacts, support, partnership, or investment – in order to increase your value to the business network. This kind of enlightened altruism will eventually rebound to your advantage.
- Follow-up on referrals. Make following up on a referral a time sensitive issue. Give yourself 24 hours or less in which to follow up on the referral. As part the process of referral follow up, make sure you have thanked the person who has given you a referral through either a phone call, an email message, or personal card.
- Learn your business commercial. Often in network organizations, you are asked to introduce yourself and your business. Time is of the essence here. Practice your 30-60 second commercial so that you can effectively introduce yourself, your company, and ask for referrals.
- Avoid conversation overload. In many business gatherings, the chance to network is expected. The object is to make as many meaningful connections as possible. Do not overload one person with your life story. Keep it professional, short, and memorable. Get contact information and make the connection at a later date.
Sharon Lagina, Lagina Marketing (phone: 734 558-7776 / [email protected])
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