Networking

Bridges and Bommerangs - 10 Tips For Effective Networking
By Jo Parfitt

When I was working as editor of a brand new international women's magazine, part of my role was to increase the publication's distribution. Our target was to give away up to 20,000 sample copies of each bi-monthly issue. We succeeded. Yet we did not buy one single database!

I am a great networker, and had been 'growing my database' for years before I even knew what networking was. In fact the thought of forcing my business card into the hands of strangers was not one that appealed. I always preferred the softly softly approach. And what's more - it works.

1. Don't talk business - talk passion
When you meet someone for the first time, don't launch into asking them about their business. Ask about their passions, about what they do at the weekends, their favourite wine or television programme. If you talk about something more personal you are more likely to find a common interest and connect with that person on a more intimate level. This is called 'making friends'. If you make a friend, you will not have to offer your business card - you will be asked for it.

2. Give presents
The best gift you can give to a person you have just met is the contact details of someone else who may be able to help them. Tell someone about a new network in town, a great play at the theatre, a possible client or some information that will help them.

3. Believe in boomerangs
When you give someone a present, you can expect to receive one in return. But, as with the laws of Karma, and with boomerangs, you must not expect the gift to come straight back from the person to whom you gave your 'gift'. Give and you will receive. Of course. But usually when you least expect it.

4. Be persistent
Have you noticed how some people attend certain networking meetings religiously, even if they have a bad cold or have had a long day, while others come once and never again? Networking at meetings like this only works when you become a familiar face. Once people trust you and recognise you, business will start to come your way.

5. Never close a door
If a potential client rejects your proposal, don't be dejected and vow never to contact them again. Write and thank them for considering you. Stay friends. Keep the door open.

6. Build bridges
Don't just consider networking with people who share your business interests. If you love beekeeping in your spare time, join the beekeeping society. Just as business takes place on the golf course, clients are found wherever you have a passion.

7. Have something to hand out
Don't just take along your business cards. Have some flyers advertising any other events you may like to promote, have copies of articles that have been printed about you, order forms and price lists. You never know when someone may ask to hear more about your business and it is good to be prepared. A business card goes straight into a file, or the waste basket. A flyer or a brochure is likely to linger on the desk a little longer.

8. Learn to present
If you can become proficient at speaking in public about an aspect of your work, then think about becoming a presenter and offering to speak to networking groups. This way your face and name become familiar to a room full of people during the course of the evening.

9. Get published
Nothing will give you more kudos and more of a reputation than to have an article, a booklet, a book, CD or audiotape produced about an aspect of your specialism. If you can write it yourself all the better. Publishing it yourself need not cost a fortune either.

10. Stay connected
You need to meet 25 new people every month if you are to stay in the game. Remember that every new person you meet has his own database of thousands. Don't just find out about the person standing in front of you, find out who they know too.

About the author
Jo Parfitt is a portable career and networking expert. She is a much published journalist, with more than 15 books published. Her speaking engagements take her all over the world. She is also a self-publishing consultant.

Jo Parfitt as Career in Your Suitcase
Find out more about her work and her book A Career in Your Suitcase 2 email her at joparfitt@career-in-your-suitcase.com

Jo Parfitt as Summertime Publishing Services
Summertime - where the writing is easy
Helping Fish out of Water to Get in the Swim
Email summertime@lineone.net