Six Steps to Networking Success
For a chatty girl, I’m sometimes quite bashful when meeting people for the first time (no one believes me when I say this, but it’s true!)
Networking can be tough for anyone, so I asked Teresa Shaver, Manager, Member Services at the Whitby Chamber to give some top tips on networking.
Six Steps to Networking Success
Regardless of the event, community, group or circle, there always seems to be those people who just know everyone! While the rest of us spend years attending events hoping to meet the right people and eventually give up attending anymore events feeling that networking does not work.
Those seemingly “natural connectors” find it easy to connect and grow their network (and their business). Do you want to know Why?
Here are six simple steps to become more like those “natural connectors”.
1. Remember that you are not there to sell anything right now – everyone attends with the desire to grow their own business. If you are selling, people inadvertently keep their distance. It’s hard to connect with people through this barrier.
2. Remember that everyone is thinking about themselves most of the time. People love to hear their own name and things about them. So ask questions about themselves, their business, their family etc – this also takes the spotlight off you. This goes a long way to building rapport and a stronger connection.
3. Smile! It’s proven that smiling people are more attractive to us than people who do not smile. People who smile more are more successful. Smiling tells others that you are warm and inviting, and most of all, fun!
4. Seek to meet people. Here’s a secret: Everyone is nervous just like you. It’s natural to be apprehensive when in a crowd of strangers. When you take the first step and engage others in conversation, you’ll help ease other’s pain! Everyone is there to meet people. Make it easy for others by taking the first step.
5. Have a warm, firm handshake, literally and figuratively. Shake hands with people being sure to have a good grip and smile while looking into their eyes.
6. Ask for their business card. Make a few notes to remind you about your conversation. Be sure to ask the question: “As I meet people, how will I know who is the right type of referral for you?” Write this down and then follow up with a phone call, email or handwritten card. Don’t forget to follow up – otherwise there was really no point to your connection!
Following these easy steps will quickly make you a “natural connector” The most important of all is to commit to attending those events!
Some really great advice Teresa! One little body language trick I also learned:
Approaching two people talking can be awkward, so choose groups of 3 or more. The person with one foot sticking outward from the group is probably the one who would be most likely to engage in a new conversation.
A foot pointed away from the group can (sometimes) mean they are non-verbally “on their way out” of the conversation.
And….as a Social Media specialist, it would be remiss of me not to remind you to follow up with a personalized note to connect on LinkedIn. Keep adding to your connections and extend your reach!
What are your “secret” networking tips?
About Teresa Shaver, CSP
Teresa Shaver has spent many years in the sales and marketing industry through 3 countries and large multi-national corporations as well as 5 start up ventures. Throughout her career, the ability to network and quickly build relationships with people has been a guiding success factor. Teresa currently works for the Whitby Chamber of Commerce as the Manager of Member Services. Her role is to manage the membership lifecycle, as well as events and sponsorship for the organization.
The Whitby Chamber of Commerce is a not for profit business organization that strives to be the “Go To” business resource for businesses.
If we can’t help you, we will find someone who can! teresa@whitbychamber.org (905) 668-4506 x231
Interest to read about “Networking Success” . Thanks and I always keep in mind:)