[list type=”check2″]

  • Remember – networking is all about building relationships, not about a hard sell
  • If possible, find out who is going to the event in advance and decide who you want to meet
  • Arrive early
  • Go with a purpose
  • Act as the host not the guest
  • Ask people about themselves
  • Listen, show an interest
  • Introduce yourself effectively (practice in advance)
  • Remember to tell everyone you network with your business name
  • Sell the “sizzle” not the sausage
  • Carry a large stock of business cards, try to give everyone you meet one
  • A good way to exchange business cards is to ask for one first, and then offer yours, it shows you are interested in what they do
  • Make sure you get a business card from everyone you meet
  • Have a pen handy – write notes
  • Wear a name tag if these are provided – right hand side
  • Talk to one person at a time
  • Give a lead or referral where possible
  • Wrap up the conversation gracefully & move on
  • Stay 15 minutes after the event
  • Afterwards, record the names of new contacts in a contacts list
  • Never throw out the business cards you are given – you never know when you are going to need a contact until you need them!
  • Follow up … but don’t over promise
  • Pace yourself

[/list]