Definition:[/i][/b][/i][/b]
Business networking is a socioeconomic activity by which groups of like-minded businesspeople recognize, create, or act upon business opportunities. A business network is a type of social network whose reason for existing is business activity. There are several prominent business networking organizations that create models of networking activity that, when followed, allow the business person to build new business relationships and generate business opportunities at the same time. A professional network service is an implementation of information technology in support of business networking.
Things essential for Business Networking: [/i][/b][/i][/b]
- Get Details about the Networking Event in Advance
- Dress Appropriately and Arrive a Few Minutes Early
- Bring Your Business Cards and Something to Write With
- Have Your "Opener" Prepared
- Decide in Advance How Many People You Would Like to Meet
- Have the Mindset of Being a Resource to Others
- Stand at the Entrance and Meet and Greet
- Approach Smaller Groups of Attendees
- Be Pleasant, Relaxed and Polite
- Ask Questions that are of Genuine Interest to You
- Always Ask for Their Business Card
- Follow Up with Hand Written Notes
Make yourself ready for networking; hence start working hard on the following points
Personality
When you first approach someone to begin a networking relationship you need make sure that you will communicate effectively and openly - that means being authentic.
Body Language
Respect the personal space of the other person while standing tall and holding your position in a conversation.
Interest
When you stay engaged it inspires a contact to keep talking. Genuine interest (or the impression of it) is a great way to foster business leads.
Focus
Focus the conversation onto one interesting topic that a contact brought up. Expand on it and explore.
Connection
During the conversation you'll likely come across topics of interest. Grab those because those a strong connection points. This flows back to the point of Focus.
Visualization
When you're positive, there's a better chance for a positive outcome and it shows in your body language.
Invitation
As you build on the relationship with business leads, don't forget to follow up. You don't have to offer an invitation immediately but be sure to follow up quickly with an offer for a meeting, coffee, etc. to hook up and talk shop - or simply to keep the personal conversations and interests flowing.
When you're out there networking to build business leads, you have to remember that communication is all about style and presence. Interest is always about how you're perceived, and style can help you fake it while you prepare to take it to the next level. Your communication style encompasses tone, speaking pace, ability to listen, mirroring conversation partners and overall presentation.
Networking is not just about getting a job, or selling a product or service.
It doesn't have to be slimy.
Networking gets harder when we feel more desperate.
Never put anyone you are networking with on the spot - take the pressure off everyone.
Replace, "Do you know anyone who...?" with, "Whom do you know that...?"
Networking is happening all the time, even when you don't think it is.
Your results will improve if you decide in advance exactly what you want to gain from an event.
Networking works best when we build relationships.
What you get back doesn't necessarily come back from the same people you've helped in the past.
Quality is so much better than quantity!
Networking has proven to be a very effective way to increase word of mouth advertising. Many sales people get 80-90% of their business through networking organizations.
Most organizations created for networking purposes provide a very warm and sensitive welcoming to guests at each of their meetings. They want to make you feel as comfortable as possible as well as introduce you to other members.
Networking works because other networkers will share with you what works. They will share with you the tips, techniques and protocol of their particular organization to ensure that your membership gets off on the right foot and begins to work as soon as possible.