7 Steps to More Effective Networking

I attended a business conference this week in Orlando, FL, and a key focus of mine for this event was to use the opportunity to network. Networking is defined by wikipedia as "a socioeconomic business activity by which business people and entrepreneurs meet to form business relationships and to recognize, create, or act upon business opportunities, share information, and seek potential partners for ventures." It's a mouthful, but sounds like a reasonable definition, right? So, I set out to do just that.

But, I was surprised. Really surprised.

So many other attendees seemed completely unprepared to network. Probably half of the people I met didn't have business cards, several others weren't able to clearly articulate what they do or who they do it for, many had their heads down in their phones, and yet there were others that congregated within the same groups during the entire networking event -- now, I wasn't shy about breaking up the groups, but that's another story.

Networking is a CRITICAL business skill. It doesn't matter whether you are in sales and business development like me or in product development, marketing, IT, or finance. Other than effective communication and relationship management, I can't think of a skill so important. Networking is key to not only identifying new business opportunities, but also expanding your sphere of influence and marketing yourself, your company and it's services. Effective networking can help grow sales, get a new job, bring in new partners, help you get that promotion, and simply build a group of people to help you throughout your professional journey.

So, whether you are attending the next #LinkedInLocal, going to a professional trade show, participating in the next Chamber of Commerce meeting, or attending a professional seminar, here's a few tips that might help you do a better job of networking:

1. Carry plenty of business cards. Don't run out.
2. Before you go, consider your objectives for the event and make a personal goal of the number of new people you want to meet. If you're goal-driven like me, then this will help.
3. Don't sit down. Be active. Too many people immediately go to an open table. Work the room, walk around, shake hands, and strike up conversation.
4. Put away your phone. I shouldn't have to explain this one.
5. Whether you're "good on your feet" or not, prepare a short 30 second elevator speech introducing yourself, your company, and what you do. In 30 seconds, deliver a message that interests someone to have further discussion and exchange business cards.
6. Smile. Smiling makes you approachable. It makes networking that much easier!
7. Last, but not least. Follow-up. If you get a business card, send a thank-you to that person, stay in touch, and share information or leads.

Hope this helps. Now, go sign up for an opportunity near you to network and engage with new people!