5 Valuable Tips to Networking

This article is also listed in the Christian Carnival #6, where other Christian Blog Writers were featured, you must check out their GREAT articles!

In today’s highly competitive environment, it is increasingly critical to be a good networker as well as understand how you can position yourself to advance your career. Some of us are not born minglers, however practice and preparation will help you develop the skills it takes to be effective at career networking opportunities. As difficult or awkward as it may feel at first, the ability to meet and make a positive, professional impression on people will become even more important as your career advances and develops. The five tips below will assist you in learning the art of successful networking.

1. Encourage others to start a conversation with you – This is a great tip for people who are not so great at initiating conversation. Find a spot in the room, with a beverage of some sorts, then just STAND ALONE for a while. People who enjoy initiating conversation, will find you and stroll over to start talking. Be sure to stand facing the crowd, and look approachable.
2. Be sure to start the conversation with a greeting – I remember reading this in a book a while ago, and since then I’ve tried to be conscience of this tip. Approach people with a “good morning” or “good evening” before you launch into a conversation. It’s a kind way of first acknowledging the person and could give you a sense of their mood before you start a discussion. It’s a very small detail, but can really soften the initial encounter with anyone.
3. Where you place your name tag IS important – Place your name badge somewhere on the upper right side of your body. Why? Because when you shake hands with someone, your eyes are naturally drawn to their right hand and the right side of their body. Also, if you tend to carry briefcases or purses, do so on the left-hand side of your body. This allows you to be ready to shake hands with people as you meet them – this also goes for using your phone – do so with your left hand.
4. Create a plan for attending major events, such as conferences – Try to get the list of attendees and companies beforehand. Review it by noting key people whom you specifically want to talk with, based on a common interest, or their recognized authority in a certain field. Focus on getting to the top three people on your list. However, be prepared for the discussion by thinking about what you could offer them and/or some common ground that will make it easy to start conversation.
5. The most KEY tip in networking is, knowing what it IS and ISN’T!

Networking IS:

– Sharing knowledge and contacts

– Helping others

– Building relationships before you need them

– Getting the help you need when you need it

– Getting more done with less effort

Networking is NOT:

– Selling anything

– Asking for a job

–Soliciting a donation

– Securing funding

In the end, remember that networking is an activity that requires your participation!

photo by seier+seier

What are some networking tips you’ve used?