Three steps to successful networking

The sense of discomfort we can feel when it comes to networking generally means we are thinking too hard about ourselves and how we come across to other people. It can also come from the anticipation that networking can feel like a waste of time if you consistently have the experience that there is no tangible result.

Next time you find yourself in a networking opportunity, try switching gear to focus less on you and more on the people you are networking with.

Be interested and you become interesting, and the door to a potential business relationship starts to open.

Here are 3 tips for effectively handling a networking opportunity:

• Ask questions that will help you establish rapport and make you interesting and memorable.
  Here are 10 questions you can choose from:
  • Name of personal partner
  • Name of children
  • An achievement they are proud of
  • Town/city they grew up in
  • What high school they went to
  • What countries they have travelled to
  • One thing they are passionate about
  • Three products/services they offer
  • Exact instructions on how to find their office
  • Name of business partner
  Tips courtesy of Peter Henderson, Life Coach
• Share your 60 second “elevator pitch”. Be sure to describe how you can provide a solution to a potential client or business partner’s needs or wants, and what makes your service or product different from the competition.
• If it looks like there is an opportunity to progress the conversation, schedule a date and time and exchange contact details. If not, thank them for the conversation and politely excuse yourself to network with someone else.