Terri's Tuesday Tip of the Week - July 26th

Pulling a good network together takes effort, sincerity and time. – Alan Collins, author of “Unwritten HR Rules”

The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity. – Keith Ferrazzi

You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want. – Zig Ziglar

Networking is marketing. Marketing yourself, marketing your uniqueness, marketing what you stand for.     – Christine Comaford-Lynch

Tips for Networking

Dress for success - Our society has gone to business casual and even more casual in some offices.  This is definitely not appropriate attire for networking.  Your attire will be determined based on the event attending, but always dress appropriately and no less than business casual! 

Business cards – A great way to be remembered is by providing a professional business card.  This may be a business card from the company you work for or you can purchase inexpensive professional business cards with your personal information on it.  When attending events, everyone will be talking to a lot of people.  Business cards will help a new contact remember you.   

Risk it!  - When going to a networking event, the likelihood is that you will not know anyone.  Take the risk and go introduce yourself to someone.  New contacts = New opportunities

Firm handshake – According to the American Psychological Association, a firm handshake can cause a favorable first impression.  Research has shown that a firm handshake indicates extraversion and open to new experiences.

FOLLOW UP – As I am attending events, my goal is to write a handwritten note to the individuals I meet to set myself apart.  When I first started going to meetings on Capitol Hill for the company I work for, I would write handwritten thank you notes and I believe that is why so many people on The Hill remembered us.  Sometimes, handwritten notes are not an option so sending a cordial email and connecting on LinkedIn may be the best option. 

Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after having an experience with you becomes your trademark. - Jay Danzie

CHALLENGE: The goal is to meet someone, interact with them and then follow up.  By having three interactions with an individual, you have made an impression and they will remember you. 

Based on your unique skills or profession, what other ideas can you incorporate into your networking opportunities?

Additional Reading & Resources

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/62/8b/1a/628b1a389568bdadfa3d813351d2fd45.jpg

http://www.careers24.com/career-advice/job-hunting/why-is-networking-so-important-20140702

http://www.businessinsider.com/the-importance-of-networking-2011-5

http://www.foxnews.com/story/2008/06/03/importance-networking.html

http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/20000611025925data_trunc_sys.shtml