One of the best compliments related to networking that I ever received was when a highly respected chief executive introduced me to speak as “The Networkers' Networker.” Networking is a very powerful marketing tool and one that can be very positive and valuable if done properly and very costly if done improperly or not at all. In thinking about what tips to share with you, I decided to think back over my own personal experiences and what has worked well for me and my clients. What I have developed is called my MVP (Most Valuable Professional) Networking Tips. Here they are.
MVP NETWORKING TIPS
1. Always develop a plan that has a strategy and clear goals.
2. Always carry plenty of business cards with you at all times.
3. Prepare and practice a great 10 second introduction.
4. Prepare and practice a 30 second advertisement as a follow-up to your introduction. Brand yourself!
5. Be yourself and be genuine. And always remember your manners.
6. Ask “Who do you know?”
7. Listen and hear what people are saying to you. Engage in quality conversations. Take notes on the back of business cards you receive.
8. Always offer something first to help others when networking. Then take something second to help you or your clients.
9. Build relationships and find ways to connect your contacts with your network.
10. Follow up! Keep in touch by calling, emailing, writing, etc. And send handwritten notes and thank yous to really stand out and differentiate yourself from others.
Do you believe you could be a more effective networker? Do you believe you could benefit by using the MVP networking tips? Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach encourages you to become a very effective and strategic networker. I fyou would like to learn more about how a strategic thinking business coach can assist and guide you in that endevor, please contact Glenn Ebersole through his website at www.businesscoach4u.com or via email at jgecoach@aol.com
J. Glenn Ebersole, Jr. is a multi-faceted professional, who is recognized as a visionary, guide and facilitator in the fields of business coaching, marketing, public relations, management, strategic planning and engineering. Glenn is the Founder and Chief Executive of two Lancaster, PA based consulting practices: The Renaissance Group, a creative marketing, public relations, strategic planning and business development consulting firm and J. G. Ebersole Associates, an independent professional engineering, marketing, and management consulting firm. He is a Certified Facilitator and serves as a business coach and a strategic planning facilitator and consultant to a diverse list of clients. Glenn is also the author of a monthly newsletter, “Glenn’s Guiding Lines – Thoughts From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach” and has published more than 275 articles on business.