The Rules of Networking

The Rules of Networking
By Scott Kane of Grey Hair Management

" Never go anywhere without a business card
Name, address, branding, phone, fax, cell phone, e-mail address, use both sides
" Never go alone
Always buddy up, don't stick together, On the drive home discuss success & failure, Pass along contacts
" Always network
` All events, family, social, business, get past the small talk, take conversation in your direction
" Elevator speech
First 15 seconds are most important, make it unique so the other party wants more, must be focused, they must know what you want, practice-practice-practice
" Give your undivided attention
Make eye contact, quickly determine if this is a contact you need to make, exchange business cards
" Don't let the conversation end without exchanging business cards
Build your professional rolodex, make a note on the back about the conversation, every contact is a part of your personal network
" Network in the right circles
Business events, transition events
" If you're not having fun, you're doing something wrong
" Ask for introductions
" Follow-up
" Always give more than you get