Are you a Networking Fool? 5 Tips for Successful Networking

People are the backbone of my business, so it helps to network with as many people as possible. I work with the normal +Realtors, +Mortgage people, and +Inspectors, but I also need to meet people outside my circles. This is good advice to follow for your business, meeting people means really meeting them and becoming genuinely interested in them, not just looking at them as a number.

It's always 'interesting' going to networking meetings and people seem to think they should 'push' their product or services at anybody and everybody.  That is so not the way to network folks!  In fact, that is a real big turn off to most professional networkers. And sure, we understand that some people are just beginning their networking career and haven't been taught by a network pro so we do cut them a little slack and then hopefully 'mentor' them along to networking success.

5 Tips for Successful Networking



1. Networking is about Building Relationships - over time.  It's not going to happen in one meeting or maybe not even 6 or so meetings. Be Patient and take the time it takes to build strong relationships that will last for years.


2. Listen. Let me say that again! Listen!  There is nothing more boring or obnoxious about a networking fool that goes on and on about him/herself or their product/service. Shhhhhhhh! Enough about you. Allow people to ask you about you when they're ready. Remember two ears and one mouth....just saying.


3. How Can You Help Others Build Their Business? That's what top notch net-workers do for each other. They think of ways they can be of service, along the way of building a relationship. And that doesn't just happen at a meeting. Once you're back in your office you may come across a great article that you know somebody would really appreciate. Mail it to them along with a handwritten note and a business card. Invite them to coffee to learn more about their business.


4. Ask Questions - but not too many. Your job is to ask questions in hopes of getting to know another professional and what they're all about. Ask a question and then let them talk as long as they like (with in reason, of course as you may have bumped into a networking fool). When appropriate, ask a follow up question to something the other person was talking about. Care about their point of view! And if they're good net-workers they'll ask you questions so be patient and don't rush it.

5. Networking goes on 7 days a week. Whether you're in the grocery store, bank, shopping center, kids school, nail shop - wherever. Just be your good old friendly self and stop trying to push you or your service. If people ask - great, give them the information they want and follow up that day, or at least within a few day either in writing a handwritten note, email or whatever means you can.

#LizBobeck