So what is a networking strategy and why do you need one? Why do you need to actively network – surely the people you meet in your daily dealings are enough? For some that may be the case…but have you ever heard about someone coming across a brilliant job or business opportunity through some obscure connection? Have you ever bumped into someone you haven’t had contact with for years, only to find that there is incredible synergy between the two of you at that point in time? It does happen – and networking is a valuable investment in making sure that you are in the right place at the right time to make these connections, rather than just hoping that the people in your every day will be enough.  Use the following 10 tips to assist you in creating your own strategy:  Tomorrow we’ll look at another ten.

 

• Be clear on your reasons for networking and determine what your goals are, then write them down. Re-visit these goals before you attend each networking event

 

• Don’t go to events with the sole intention of making a sale or getting your business card into as many people’s hands as possible.   Everyone is, or knows, a potential client or valuable contact.

 

·         Clarify what business you are in and come up with a short, simple way of explaining this.  Try to phrase your short statement in terms of what benefit you deliver – rather than just what you do

 

• Maintain a good diary system (for scheduling time to attend events), remembering to schedule the time required to travel to and from the event as well as for follow-up phone calls, coffee meetings and so on. After each event diarise follow-up calls, reminders and advance notes about who to catch up with at the next event.

 

• Create systems for tracking contacts from each network and event (to keep in touch and help build relationships).

• Read the newspapers and a few business magazines to develop a bank of conversation topics, but steer clear of religion, politics and other potentially controversial subjects. You could even create an “oh really?” file with interesting stories about business, science and general interest. Look for articles that people will enjoy hearing or be fascinated by and want to tell others. The occasional (clean) joke never goes astray either!

 

• Choose networks that fit with your interests and area of business and some others that cover a broader reach.   You don’t always want to do business with those in your industry.

 

• If you have limited time it is preferable to attend one or two networks regularly, rather than try to spread yourself over a number of networks irregularly.

 

• Maximise your involvement within each network – Offer to become involved in the network through volunteering for committees, submitting articles for newsletters and websites, assisting on the registration desk or offering door prizes at events.

 

• Arrive at events early and take the time to meet other ‘early birds’.  Be happy to be there.