Networking Tips

[KPO89]

Networking is probably the most important part of salesmanship and I'm trying to learn different tips and tricks for becoming better at this art since I'm heading into the field of marketing which inevitably includes some form of sales. I've heard several ideas of keeping long term files such as a Rolodex and I've often heard positioning yourself in a room is important; all of which are wonderful ideas.

What are your tips?

 

[MHH89]

Be able to handle your booze

 

[Teacher]

A basic one, but one that's very important: memorize faces and names, and use the names.

 

[KPO89]

Originally Posted by MHH89

Be able to handle your booze

I make a habit of always handling it...not to sound self-righteous but that is so unprofessional to over indulge at a business location.

Originally Posted by Teacher

A basic one, but one that's very important: memorize faces and names, and use the names.

Dale Carnegie said it the best when he said that a person's name is the most important thing in the world to them for that is the one thing they completely own.

 

[Piobaire]

Originally Posted by KPO89

Dale Carnegie said it the best when he said that a person's name is the most important thing in the world to them for that is the one thing they completely own.

You raise an important networking point. Never mention you read Dale Carnegie unless you're at a meeting about Dale Carnegie.

 

[Svenn]

It's often said that asking people questions about themselves almost always will leave a good impression, because people love to talk about their life. It's not as easy as it sounds though, it often looks transparent and mormony when I try to do it.... I guess the questions have to be more thoughtful and specific rather than 'how is business going?' I also try to prepare to be talkative myself should the other person be quiet or less-responsive... it's important not to get the akward silence thing going, even if you have to fill it with your own chatter.

A tip from the Japanese is to show your keen interest in them by repeatedly nodding your head in agreement and saying 'yes' or 'huh' (not "hai"

) as they speak... I can't tell you how many people I know just stare off into the distance or frantically look around as I try to talk to them.

 

[KPO89]

Originally Posted by Piobaire

You raise an important networking point. Never mention you read Dale Carnegie unless you're at a meeting about Dale Carnegie.

Really? Why is that? People feel exploited perhaps?

 

[KPO89]

Originally Posted by Svenn

It's often said that asking people questions about themselves almost always will leave a good impression, because people love to talk about their life. It's not as easy as it sounds though, it often looks transparent and mormony when I try to do it.... I guess the questions have to be more thoughtful and specific rather than 'how is business going?' I also try to prepare to be talkative myself should the other person be quiet or less-responsive... it's important not to get the akward silence thing going, even if you have to fill it with your own chatter.

A tip from the Japanese is to show your keen interest in them by repeatedly nodding your head in agreement and saying 'yes' or 'huh' (not "hai"

) as they speak... I can't tell you how many people I know just stare off into the distance or frantically look around as I try to talk to them.

That is quite annoying when someone is asphyxiated on a wall ornament while you make a well thought out statement.

Anybody have any key "ice breakers" they prefer to use?

 

[Teacher]

Originally Posted by Svenn

It's not as easy as it sounds though, it often looks transparent and mormony when I try to do it....
.

And a new word was born!

 

[HEWSINATOR]

I read a book called "Never Eat Alone" that I thought was OK. It was not about this cheasy cliche networking stuff but how to be genuine and take an interest in people.

I think the important thing is not to think about it as networking but getting to know people and establish relationships. Also, the biggest part of the game is being a resource for them, not the other way around. That will come.

 

[HEWSINATOR]

Originally Posted by KPO89

Anybody have any key "ice breakers" they prefer to use?

"Do you know how much a polar bear weighs?

"Enough to break the ice"

 

[Piobaire]

Originally Posted by KPO89

That is quite annoying when someone is asphyxiated on a wall ornament while you make a well thought out statement.

Anybody have any key "ice breakers" they prefer to use?

I hate when people choke on things while I'm saying smart things to them.

 

[KPO89]

Originally Posted by Piobaire

I hate when people choke on things while I'm saying smart things to them.

 

[lawyerdad]

Originally Posted by KPO89

Really? Why is that? People feel exploited perhaps?

That's my take, although I might say "manipulated" rather than "exploited". You're basically signaling to the other person that your expression of interest in them might be more about networking than genuine interest.

My sugggestion would be to really try to bridge that gap. Get yourself in the habit of engaging with, and finding the interesting things about, other people. If you're naturally reserved, this may take some practice -- but it's kind of a muscle memory thing. The more you do it, the more natural it feels.

 

[Piobaire]

Originally Posted by lawyerdad

That's my take, although I might say "manipulated" rather than "exploited". You're basically signaling to the other person that your expression of interest in them might be more about networking than genuine interest.

My sugggestion would be to really try to bridge that gap. Get yourself in the habit of engaging with, and finding the interesting things about, other people. If you're naturally reserved, this may take some practice -- but it's kind of a muscle memory thing. The more you do it, the more natural it feels.

Manipulated is a good word for it. And LD is exactly correct about what you're broadcasting. People want to think you're talking to them because you want to talk to them, not because talking to them is a means to your (personal and hidden) end.