Hi Everyone, I thought this was good:
From: OutofworkChicago.com; I attend their meetings, and conducted a seminar there.
10 Tips for Successful Business Networking
Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others.
Be fully present.Be fully engaged and fully aware of the people you interact with. You can break this down into smaller, somewhat mechanical pieces — listen well, respond promptly, maintain eye contact, etc.
Come Early and Stay Late Inexperienced networkers come to meetings late and leave as soon as the speaker has finished. The best opportunities for networking are before the start of the formal program and immediately after the program.
Hold volunteer positions in organizations. This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you.
Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.
Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them.
Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others.
Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, “How may I help you?” and no immediate answer comes to mind.
Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.
Give before you get.
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