10 Tips for Networking Success

by Peter Forint, BA, MBA

For many of us "networking" has a negative aura about it.  Yet we all know at least one person who is so good at it that we admire them, and wish we could be more like them.  Here are some things you can do to increase the positive power of your networking:

1. Maintain an attitude of giving:  As the saying goes, "What goes around comes around."  Give freely, without expectations, and karma will reward you.
2. Always be ready:  Networking opportunities are not restricted to formal business events.  You never know whom you will meet at the grocery store, on the GO train, or in other social situations.  Always carry some business cards and a pen!
3. Aim for quality not quantity:  There are no prizes for getting the most business cards at a networking event.  First impressions happen only once and it is much better to properly initiate a relationship.  You must be sincere and trustworthy.
4. Share your knowledge:  In the past, power came from hoarding information.  In today's world, power comes from sharing that information.  Of course, only share information that is relevant to the other person.  No one likes a know-it-all.
5. Share your network:  The value of your network increases with the number of value-added relationships you can create. Introduce people when they can help each other or when they share an interest.
6. Introduce people, then get out of the way:  You are only responsible for initiating a new relationship, not for nurturing it.  A short phone call or a simple e-mail is all that is needed.
7. Protect your reputation and your network:  Only introduce those people whom you can trust.
8. Remember, even weak links add strength:  While this may seem counterintuitive, some of the most powerful relationships start as simple introductions by trusted mutual acquaintances.
9. Join www.LinkedIn.com:  This website is dedicated to professional networking.  There are tens of millions of members, and most introductions are made on a one-to-one basis through trusted connections.  Plus it's a great way to do reference checks on potential employees, customers and suppliers.  (You can see my profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/peterforint.)
10. Be an active member of a professional association, chamber of commerce or business improvement area association:  There's simply no better channel for networking with local business owners and professionals.

Peter Forint is Regional Vice-President with Wardell Professional Development, a business coaching and consulting organization serving owner-managed and family run businesses.  Email:  peter.forint@wardell.biz,  GTA: 416-290-5718  Toll Free:  877-290-5718

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