by James Canada
If you are interested in getting the maximum benefit from networking with a minimum of time investment, please read on. I learned years ago that the keys are preparation and planning. Here are some techniques that I use every time I make a connection.
1. Research: Get to know the person beforehand. Look up information (LinkedIn, website, etc.) about the person you are meeting, including their picture, their connections, education, and interests. This will be helpful in recognizing the person at the location as well as serve as an icebreaker in starting the conversation with them.
2. Introductions: After making a new connection, enter their contact information into your database and write a few descriptive sentences about them and their business. Later, when you are making email introductions to others, it’s a time-saver to be able to copy and paste the descriptions into the emails.
3. Scheduling: When you schedule your meetings, always include their contact information and your contact information in the invite. Make sure you indicate location, time, and especially cell phone number to use in case of emergency. Scheduling two to three meetings a day will really jumpstart your networking efforts.
4. Handout: In addition to my business card, I always handout an information sheet that is a one-page summary of my contact information, company introduction, main business objective, company promise and a list of client targets. The list is a great catalyst for prompting the other person to say, ‘Oh yeah … Law firm … I know someone to introduce to you!”
These time-savers have helped me to continue expanding my connections. Be sure to keep them in mind whenever you wish to get the most from your networking efforts.
James H. Canada is managing partner/CEO for Alliance Technologies LLC, ITEN mentor and author of “Corporate to Entrepreneur: Strategies for Success.” Contact Jim at james.canada@alliancetechnologiesllc.com, 636-734-2337 or www.alliancetechnologiesllc.com.
Submitted 4 years 333 days ago