I have thought about what to write for this post for a few days now. After lots of thought and careful attention to how to mince words together, I have finally formalized these few principles about the importance of business and social networking.
We all know that building a good network of friends, colleagues, clients, etc. is important in any field, but I am not sure many people know how to effectively network. With emerging social networking websites such as Facebook and business networking sites like Linkedin, networking is becoming increasingly popular among business professionals as well as anyone from young adults to grandparents.
However, I believe these websites are just one part of the equation of effective networking. Getting out and meeting people the old fashioned way is important as well. Here is what you should do before getting out and meeting people at networking events, social gatherings, and in public spaces:
- Have a business card (Even if you are not employed full-time, it can help you establish credibility with who you meet – Having your name, contact information, and current position is a MUST)
- Be able to clearly state what it is you currently doing with your life and what you want to do next (What are some of goals and aspirations in a quick 20 second pitch?)
- Have something to offer the people you meet besides just a business card (Maybe it is the ability to connect the person you meet with someone you know in their field)
- Dress to impress (When in doubt, wear business-casual and know what this means)
- Be confident in how you express yourself and carry yourself – Remember that around 90% of communication is non-verbal.
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