10 Tips To Make Your Networking More Rewarding

Good relationships are essential to any career. It doesn't matter if you have your own business or work for someone else that network is critical. Lawyers, solo professionals, freelancers, and sales professionals must constantly network and generate new business. You prove your worth to your employer by bringing in new business. Those who do not network will not advance their careers as rapidly as those who do. You find your next employer by keeping your network alive and active.

1. Review the names in your address book on a regular basis. Plan to have lunch with one of the people or invite the person to a networking or social function. Work becomes fun when your networking connections become friends and you are likely to do more business.

2. Before you attend a networking event, think of a few topics that would be interesting to discuss with people. Keep the conversation flowing by asking thoughtful questions of the people you meet. That way when you meet a great contact you'll be able to reference the conversation when you reconnect with them.

3. Using email is a great way to connect with others, but make sure to move on to other methods of communication. Talk to the person by the phone, or if possible get together for coffee and start to build a relationship.

4. Don't rush the process or expect too much too soon. Networking feels awkward at first and often those who are new at it become discouraged. It becomes easier and more natural after a while. Don't focus on getting a client/customer/job. Focus on building a relationship.

5. Don't get stuck talking to the same person all evening. You are there to meet several people. Excuse yourself from the present company every five to ten minutes with a pleasantry such as, "It was nice meeting you." and move on to introduce yourself to someone new.

6. Keep good records of your networking contacts. Whenever you connect with someone online, on the phone, or in person, jot down a few notes to remind you of who they are and what you talked about. Record the ideas you have about working with that person too so you can schedule a future meeting to discuss those ideas.

7. If the event has a speaker or if someone at the event receives an award be sure to acknowledge the person if appropriate. People always appreciate positive reinforcement. You can do this at the networking event or write them a note afterwards.

8. When entering a conversation first listen to how you can help the other people in the group. Don't try to dominate the conversation or focus it on yourself. Your goal is not to control the conversation but to participate in it. When appropriate offer information about yourself that will be interesting to your new contacts.

9. The purpose of networking events is to make connections not to get business. Ultimately you will get business from it but don't expect it to happen immediately. Your success rate will improve if you have a give and take attitude. Listen to what other people do and show interest in their work.

10. Some people find networking events a little intimidating. If this happens to you, try attending with a friend who is in a different business so that you can help each other out. You can work as a team, introducing each other and giving testimonials about each others business. This will build your confidence as well as your credibility to others.

About Alvah Parker

Alvah Parker is a Practice Advisor and Career Coach as well as publisher of Parker's Points, an email tip list and Road to Success, an ezine. To subscribe send an email to join-roadtosuccess@go.netatlantic.com

Parker works with successful attorneys who feel overwhelmed by their work and are willing to take action to create a more profitable practice and a more fulfilling life. Alvah also helps attorneys and others who want to change careers and find the work that is more meaningful and fulfilling. Alvah is found on the web at http://www.asparker.com She may also be reached at 781-598-0388