Networking That Gets You Contacts!

Your faced with a huge dilemma at work. No one on your staff can help. If only you could find that contact you need in your Rolodex. But wait, your Rolodex is anemic. What can you do to avoid this situation in the future? Begin to network. Networking is used for finding new clients, sharing resources, looking for a new job and social stimulation among other things. It is an investment for the future that will grow and prosper over time if nourished and supported. Below are tips for creating an effective network.

1. Know your reason to Network. Do you want to meet business contacts? Are you looking for referrals? Are you looking to promote your business? Or, are you looking for a new job?
2. Know who you want to reach and why. If you are networking for new clients come up with an 'ideal client' and figure out where you would go to meet this person.
3. Keep things in perspective and don't over do it. If you go to too many events you'll burn yourself out and wont want to go again. When trying to build contacts, it is better to frequent a few groups over the long run then to go sporadically to many. Relationships are built over time.
4. Find out who knows who. When you are talking to people find out what they do for work and fun. Continue the conversation and find out what their spouses, friends and neighbors also do for a living and fun. You just never know where that contact will come from.
5. Make notes about everyone you meet and their interests. This will help jog your memory when trying to remember who can help you find that qualified accountant.
6. Be generous with your time and knowledge with others. A good networking contact is mutually beneficial to both parties. You may have information to help someone now, and they may not reciprocate for months down the road.
7. Increase your standing at networking events by becoming a facilitator. Introduce the person you are talking with to other members of the group. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated and will lead to other introductions.
8. Follow-Up. Always provide information that was promised in an initial meeting. This will be a way to put your name in front of someone again and to create a working relationship.
By following the above tips your networking abilities should become second nature and you wont even realize you are doing it. And remember, always look approachable, be charming, and carry plenty of Business Cards.