Networking Do’s and Don’ts

Here’s a great quick and easy resource for things to remember when networking (from American Express’ “Open Insight Guide”). Though the Guide is about marketing to the government, the insights offered actually apply to any marketing situation.

Five Ways to Raise Your Profile

1. Tap into Social Networking
2. Attend Events
3. Become an Industry Expert
4. Join a Local Business Group
5. Volunteer in Your Community

Networking Do’s and Don’ts:
Do’s:

1. Do come with a 30-second “elevator speech” that describes your business.
2. Do exchange cards with people that you sincerely want to stay in touch with.
3. Do enter events with a smile on your face.
4. Do show interest in the person that you are speaking with.
5. Do listen more than you talk.
6. Do jot notes on the back of each person’s card for a quick reminder for follow-up.
7. Do leverage social networking sites to stay connected.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t just try to collect as many business cards as you can.
2. Don’t isolate yourself in a corner or hang out with friends or colleagues you already know.
3. Don’t let your mind wander when other people are talking.
4. Don’t talk about yourself too much.
5. Don’t monopolize the conversation.
6. Don’t stuff people’s business cards in your drawer and forget about them.
7. Don’t send generic email blasts to everyone your meet.

~ Cyndy Hutchinson • CFO, RDL enterprises