30 Networking tips

Before an event

• If there are no networking groups in your area, start one
• Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date
• Dress appropriately for events
• Have a goal to meet 3 new people at each networking event
• Make sure your business cards are easily accessible
• Practice your introduction - say it in 12 words or less
• Every great networker has a system - Think about what yours is
• Think up some interesting questions you could ask that are different to the questions often asked

At the event

• Visit casual community groups like Rotary, Lions, VIEW or Probus Clubs    
• Leave your 'bad day' at the door
• First impressions count
• Give without expectation
• Have an abundance mentality
• Be friendly and smile
• Avoid dominating the conversation
• Enjoy yourself
• Exceed people's expectations
• Use people's names when you meet them
• Great networkers are great listeners
• Wear your branding/name tag with your logo
• Cultivate a variety of people in your network
• Introduce strangers to each other - help make connections
• Great networkers make automatic connections between common interests and people
• Identify the people in the room who have influence. They will usually have a lot of people around them
• Attend different types of networking events e.g. Chamber, Speed Networking, Casual
• Ask people how they like to be contacted

After the event

• Update and maintain your database
• Constantly expand your networks
• After the event contact each person whose business details you gathered
• When you receive a referral acknowledge in writing/send a thank you card