Successful Networking
Dos and Donts

These successful networking dos and donts will help you make the most of every opportunity.

Just follow these simple rules:

• DO be alert – there are business opportunities everywhere.

• DO understand the power of remembering names.

• DO be a good listener. Get to know the person, what makes them tick, what they like and don’t like. And remember what you learn.

• DO remember it is about getting to know, like and trust people.

• DO ask for their business card, and give yours.

• DO follow up and keep in touch with any contacts.

• DO add value to the other person when possible. Give advice, give referrals, give your time.

• DON’T go for the hard sell. Small talk is the most important talk.

• DON’T prejudge. You have no idea who other people know and who they may be able to connect you with.

• DON’T look at “what’s in it for me”. Rather look at how you can help others. This is what builds your reputation and the trust.

Networking is not a quick way to get more business.

It’s a long-term strategy that involves meeting new people, getting to know them, liking them and trusting them.

You then become an advocate for their business, and vice versa, and that is when the new business comes your way.

If you go at it with a view to giving it the hard sell, don’t be surprised when the like, know, trust thing doesn’t follow. And neither will the business.