Business Networking Tips: AN’s Top 20 Networking Tips

Business Networking Tips: AN’s Top 20 Networking Tips

Actual Networkers:  After going to many events since Actual Networking started in December 2011, we have 20 good networking tips that all networkers and professionals should know or need reminding when attending their next business event.  Of course there are a lot more than 20 networking tips but this should be a good start and we will post another 20 business networking tips in the future.  If there are any tips you like us to ad in our next blog, feel free to email us.  We love hearing from our fans.

1. (Tip: Enlist help from friends or coworkers to execute each section of your event planning)
2. (Tip: use Napkkin.com app to connect with your new contact)
3. (Tip:  Networking is like dating, the more you ask about the person the more they will think this is the best conversation ever and that you actually care about their business)
4. (Tip: Don’t brag. Your goal is not to derail the conversation but to participate in it, while offering some memorable information about yourself that will be of interest to your new contact)
5. (Tip: If you’re in a job search, ask your networking contacts for names of friends in other departments or companies. When you’re hiring, ask people on your networking list if they know of any suitable candidates. It is a good idea to keep a copy of your contact list at home, just in case of unexpected job loss or a need for information or assistance on weekends)
6. (Tip: make sure there’s enough food for everyone at the event, a happy tummy makes a happy networker and they will tell all their friends and business contacts about it)
7. (Tip: leave balloons in front of the building that leads to the event)
8. (Tip: make sure you introduce everyone in your company and make sure you’re well groomed and dressed for the event)
9. (If you have the funds, purchase some lanyards with your logo to pass out to your guests, guests will wear these lanyards at other events and is a good way to market and promote your company)
10. (Tip: keep the introductions short because everyone has a short attention span and are there to network)
11. (Tip: Have a taxi service set up, being prepared will make you look professional and responsible)
12. (Tip: Enlist help from friends or coworkers to execute each section of your event planning)
13. (Tip: Bring about 30-40 card depending on how many are attending the event)
14. (Tip: For those who don’t drink alcohol, buy something that looks like a cocktail, such as a soda water with lemon)
15. (Tip: You don’t always have to wear a suit and tie; slacks, a dress shirt and tie is enough to attend formal events)
16. (Tip: The 50/50 rule: if you meet someone you know say hi to them, do some chatting and then move on to another person you don’t know.  Then meet someone you know and then move on to another person you don’t know and repeat.  This is a good way to greet your current contacts but also get to know new people)
17. (Tip: If you’re part of a group or association that does not have a greeting committee, offer to be a one-person greeting committee. It gives you the perfect excuse to introduce yourself to everyone who walks in the door!)
18. (Tip: Crash a group of women or men and say something funny like:  There’s a rule where no more than two women can gather in a group at a networking event without having a male in the group or vise-versa if you’re a female do the same.  It will loosen them up and also give you a chance to introduce yourself to the group)
19. (Tip: Make sure your name and company is written clearly)
20. (Tip: Another good way to meet everyone before you start networking is to volunteer to help sign and check in guests at the event.  This will help you decide who you want to talk to at the event)

Thank you,

Michael Roberts

Actual Networking Co-Owner & Chief Networking Officer
Actual Networking website
Actual Networking Blog
Michael@ActualNetworking.com
(855) ANet-883

Social Networking For Actual Networkers™

ActualNetworking.com, or AN, is a non-profit benefiting the community by bringing the business networkers and local charities and non-profits together