Networking Tips

I've spent the last 6 weeks networking quite intensively. To do this I've used conventional means such as attending events organized by networking groups in NI. I've worked through referrals but I've also met quite a few people via social media and Twitter in particular. During this period I've met people who have delivered a masterclass in how to network and others who have demonstrated just how not to.

I thought I'd knock up my top tips on how to network well based on my experiences over the past 6 weeks. They're meant for discussion as much as anything else so if you think I've missed something please let me know.

TIPS - MY TOP 12

1. Preparation is important - make sure you have the venue right, you know where it is and you have the person's mobile number in case of problems on the day.

2. It's an obvious thing to say but don't be late. If you expect to be, contact the person you are meeting to let them know. Lateness makes a statement that your time is more important than theirs and is an awful start to a meeting

3. Once in the meeting switch you mobile to silent. If you expect to have to take a call during the meeting tell them in advance that there's a really important call coming in which you simply must take.

4. Make sure you have some knowledge of what it is the person you are meeting does and their business. There's nothing worse than asking the question "So how do you think we might be able to do something together?" to get the reply "Well to be honest I don't really know what you do"!

5. Don't talk at the person or over them but listen to what they have to say. Ask lots of questions & probe around before you get as far as even a tentative proposal on something.

6. By all means talk about yourself but mix it. Ask questions about the other person, their business and what they do. Never ever just talk about yourself and leave a meeting thinking it was productive.

7. Practice your active listening skills by summarizing back to the person you're meeting key points

8. Ask yourself how the person might be able to help you but ask them how they think you can help them.

9. Try and remember something about them or their business so that next time you meet you return to a matter that you discussed.

10. Avoid negative remarks about competitors or anyone you might have a common interest in. What goes around comes around.

11. At the meeting summarise what it is you've each agreed do. This will help clarify all matters and make you look like you plan to carry out what is agreed.

12. Next day email the person with the summary of agreed points and any contact details necessary.