5 Tips for Networking Success

by Kenda Salisbury, CPSM, Business Development Manager, Degenkolb Engineers

Networking. The word alone used to send my social anxiety into overdrive. That is, until I learned that networking is a skill you have to practice to achieve the results you want.

Networking is the act of connecting with other people to share information and develop contacts. The goal is to provide value to those we meet and cultivate these relationships to develop business.

Getting started, or continuing to build your network can be daunting. Here are five tips I use for success.

1.  Select the Right Events

Select events that will put you in direct contact with clients and teaming partners. If you belong to an association with a client-rich environment, attend as many events as possible. Consistency is key to building your network. If not, explore client-rich associations by attending a few events until you find one that fits your needs.

2.  Be Prepared and Arrive Early

Refill your stash of business cards. Make a run to the restroom. Get directions to the event location. Resist the urge to arrive late. The most important part of any networking event is…networking. Maximize your network by ensuring that you use every minute available. Arriving early will allow you to specifically target the people you want to meet.

3.  Don’t Stand at the Edge of the Room

It’s always comfortable to stand at the edge of the room and wait for others to come to you. Challenge yourself, make it a personal game. Set a goal to meet 3, 5, or 8 new people. Collect business cards. Not everyone you meet has to be a client or teaming partner. You never know who will give you your next lead.

4.  Ditch the Sales Pitch 

Networking is all about relationship building. Keep your exchange fun, light and informal – you don’t need to give the hard sell. Get the conversation started with easy, open-ended questions. Get people talking and they will remember you fondly.

5.  Follow Through Quickly

Follow through with each person you meet. An email, hand written note, a phone call – all work. If you have promised to follow up with specific information, deliver as prompt as possible.

I can’t wait to hear how your networking experiences turn out. Drop me a line with your success stories or if you would like a list of conversation starting questions. Happy networking.