10 Secrets to Successful Business Networking

Most CBD's have an abundance of networking breakfasts, lunches, dinners, seminars, and workshops you can attend. Your budget will usually determine how many of these you can afford to attend, and without any doubt whatsoever, your attitude will determine the outcomes in attending these functions.

Far too many people arrive at these events stressed, angry, basically not wanting to be there. They are not doing themselves any favours by being there, because all they will attract is negative people like themselves. They are guaranteed to have a miserable time. So how can you people with great attitudes make the best of these networking opportunities?

Ten steps towards success:

1. Decide what you want to get out of the event. Is there a specific person you want to meet? Are you looking for a certain service provider? Or are you simply wanting to network with others in your industry, to share the highs and lows and keep up to date with what is happening in the marketplace? The clearer you are on why you are going, the more chance you will have of achieving your objective.

2. Plan your needs in advance. Do you have to block out time in your diary the hour before the function starts, so you'll be sure to arrive on time? Will others you know be going? What is the dress code? Will you need to bring a change of clothes to work on the day?

3. Take plenty of business cards. A business card that clearly states your name, what you do, and your contact details, is imperative for effective networking. Always treat other people's business cards with respect. Give your business card to the person you are meeting as part of your introduction.

4. Have quality conversations rather than quantity. If there are fifty people at the event, don't expect to speak to all fifty. Be content with a quality conversation with five to seven people, who the next day will look at your card and remember you and what you spoke about. And more importantly remember you the next time they see you. Remember this rule: The best networkers are the best listeners. Anyone will speak to you for ten minutes if you are not speaking about yourself. Use the two ears, one mouth principle, and use them accordingly!

5. Remember to keep one or two topics of local relevance to talk about if you are nervous, or even as ice-breakers for groups you may be new to. The first 60 seconds of any conversation with a complete stranger is the hardest. If you use the principle of finding out about the other person, the conversation will usually flow well.

6. Don't fear sudden gaps of silence. If there is a pause in the conversation, that's okay. Don't feel that you have to jump in and fill the gaps with trivia.

7. Do your best to discover the other person's passion outside of their business. Most people become very animated when they speak about their interests outside of work. Often, by revealing a little about yourself, people feel more comfortable sharing their own experiences.

8. Show respect for others. Always make eye contact when you are speaking to someone. Looking over their shoulder for someone better to speak to is not only insulting but very foolish. You never know who else may know the person you are speaking to, and they may well be the connection you're meant to make.

9. Act as if you are the host of the event. When you sit down with a table of strangers, start the ball rolling by suggesting that you all introduce yourselves: your name, the work you do, why you have come to the event. On an average table of ten, three people may think you are pushy (that's okay), while the other six people will be relieved that you had the initiative to make it happen.

10. And last - but certainly not least - have fun. Great networkers have a great time. They know that by having quality conversations with the people they meet and keeping in touch, following up, doing the things they say they will do, they will build trust. The bi-product of trust is constantly building a strong and effective network.

Remember: Two ears, one mouth! Use them accordingly! Show respect; gain trust!