(picture from Beijing, the Bird’s Nest)
I submitted my networking tips for an article that may or not be written within the next week. I travel quite a bit and go to events and conferences when I can, I like to consider myself a pretty good network and decided to share a few of my tips with you (which may be repeated in an article that will go out next week).
- At any event you go to you should always be able to explain what you do in 20 seconds or less. People have a short attention span so make it quick.
- Leverage people you already know to get introduced to other people you don’t know. For example if you go to an event and you see a group of people talking and you know one of the folks, walk up to the group and say hi to your friend who will surely introduce you to the rest…if not he’s a jackass.
- Don’t have your business cards flying out of a holster. It’s arrogant and assumes that people either care about you or want to talk to you. However, if you do engage in a conversation with someone and you are asked for a card, make sure you have one handy.
- Don’t spend all of your time speaking with one person because you’re going to miss out on some other great networking potential. You’re not going to these events to make friends (ok sometimes you are), you’re going to make connections, give yourself a few minutes to talk to someone and then move on.
- Set up a few goals before you go into the event, are there specific people you want to meet or talk to, what information do you want to get across to them, how are you going to follow up?
- Make sure you know the context of the event and the type of people that are going to be there. If you’re going to a tech event, make sure you have an idea of the current hot topics, news, buzz, etc.
- Leave the bullshit and your ego at home. Remember that saying, “social media is about transparency?” Well so is networking. People can sense fluff and ego and a mile away. Go as yourself.
- When you speak with people make sure you’re confident, look them in the eye and give them a firm handshake.
- Stay focused when you’re speaking with someone. Don’t look around the room, at your watch, or a your drink. This shows a lack of interest and genuineness towards the person you are speaking with. You don’t need to speak with that person for very long but while you are speaking with them they should be getting your full attention.
- Follow up with people after the event by sending an email telling them it was great seeing them at the event, if it’s someone you want to develop a relationship with then invite them to get coffee, lunch, etc. When you follow up with someone though, make sure you say something in the email that will make them remember who you are. Example, “was great chatting with you about cloud computing last night…” You don’t need to wait long to follow up either. Depending on when I get back home I might even send an email that night or the next morning, no need for games here.
What other networking tips would you add to this list?
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