This week on my radio show, I had two guest experts on networking to grow your business. Even as long as I’ve been in the “networking” world, I learned more best practices in networking. A few tips are included here and to listen to the full show, please download “Get the Edge on Networking” from my BlogTalk page, The Leader in You.
Following up with people you meet is one of the most important tasks after networking. Otherwise, you lose your opportunity to build your network. Michelle Martin of C3 for Women and Metro Woman, suggests following up within 48 hours to continue building the relationship you started at the event. Michelle has a guideline I appreciate. She always asks if she can stay in touch and add her new contacts to her database. Please do your part to reduce the email overload by asking first.
Peggy Edge, President of TeamNetworking and owner of Edge Packaging, suggests reading a book about networking, “Power Networking” by Donna Fisher and Sandy Villas.
Another tip both Michelle and Peggy follow is to plan time right after the networking event or block off an hour the next morning to make sure you take time to follow up.
Peggy recommends starting your 30-second commercial with a power question that gets people thinking about what you do. Most people start with “I” which isn’t very effective to grab the audience’s attention.
To learn more tips about networking do’s and don’ts, click on the link to my radio host page and download the segment titled “Get the Edge on Networking” at The Leader in You Radio Show.
Kathy Garland specializes in business growth and leadership for women-owned businesses. She hosts a radio show, “The Leader in You” on BlogTalk Radio and speaks frequently on business growth and leadership topics. For more information, visit Kathy Garland International.
