THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF

NETWORKING

AS THE RECESSION RUMBLES ON, NETWORKING IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT FOR THE SUCCESS AND REPUTATION OF BUSINESSES.

NETWORKING EVENTS PROVIDE AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO MARKET YOUR COMPANY - SO FOLLOW OUR DO’S AND DON’TS, ATTEND AS MANY EVENTS AS POSSIBLE AND GET YOUR BUSINESS CARD OUT THERE.

DO be inquisitive. Encourage others to talk about themselves. Listen, ask open ended questions and show that you are genuinely interested in them. Attempt to learn something from everyone you speak to.

DON’T let shyness hold you back. Even the most reserved person can become a confident networker with practise. Networking can open up a world of opportunities so don’t allow introversion to be an obstruction.

DO meet new people. Circulate as much as possible at events and seminars. Get out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to as many new people as possible. If you find yourself speaking to just one person all night, you’re either on a date or wasting an opportunity.

DON’T limit yourself. Try to network outside of your business peers and immediate industry. You never know what kind of connection you might need so try to have contacts of a diverse range and never write someone off or dismiss them as unimportant. Joining at least two or three different networking groups should help you get a balance.

DO take notes. Try to jot down a few notes on people after you meet them, perhaps on a business card. This saves you from the