The Federal Bureau of Labor published a study a few years back that showed 70% of all new business comes from some form of networking. What other motivation do you need to start? Below are fifty thoughts to help you on your way. Before you read on, remember: if you think you're poor at networking, don't worry, you're not alone. It's not a skill we are born with but one we have to learn.
1. Come to every networking event with three great questions ready to go. Be sure they begin with, "What's the one thing?" "What's your favorite?" and "What was the best part about?"
2. No matter where you go – the mall, church, out to dinner, the gym - have at least five business cards with you.
3. Be able to give an unforgettable personal introduction in 10 seconds, 30 seconds and 60 seconds.
4. When someone on the phone says, "May I ask who's calling?" get excited. Say something unique that makes that person say, "Um, okay...please hold." Be unexpected. Be cool. Be memorable.
5. Get Google alerts on yourself, your company, your area of expertise and your competition. If you don't know what a Google alert is, just Google it.
6. Networking isn't selling, marketing or cold calling. It's the development and maintenance of mutually valuable relationships. Don't mix these things up.
7. The most important four letters in the word "networking" are w-o-r-k, because that's exactly what it takes.
8. If you give your business card to somebody and they don't reply, "Hey, cool card!" get a new card.
9. When attending networking events, come early. Check out the nametags. See if you know anybody, or find people you'd like to meet.
10. Sit in the back so you can scan the room for specific people you'd like to connect with.
11. Email articles of interest, links or other cool stuff of value, (not spam), to people you've met.
12. Publish a newsletter or ezine. Interview people from your network and feature them as experts. They will take ownership of their inclusion and spread that publication to everyone they know.
13. Spend one hour a week reading and commenting on other people's blogs. If you don't know what a blog is, you're in trouble.
14. When you read an article you like, email the author. Tell him what you liked about it and introduce yourself. He'll usually write back.
15. Have an awesome email signature that gives people a reason to click over to your website. Just be careful not to have too much information included.
16. Get involved with social networking sites like LinkdIn, MySpace and Squidoo.
17. Remember that networking doesn't have to be in person. The Internet is a great place to connect with people just like you!
18. Make your own words up. It's really fun.
19. Have business lunches at least once a week.
20. Attend local events once a month.
