The Professional Networker, Your Online Resource for Expanding Business Relationships

Networking Tips

Networking Tips - 10 Attributes of Great Networkers

  1. Friendly and approachable
  2. Confident
  3. Empathetic
  4. Appreciative of others' help and time
  5. Enthusiastic, energetic and a great attitude
  6. Good listener
  7. Rebounds quickly from rejection
  8. Determined in overcoming obstacles
  9. Takes pride in appearance
  10. Always follows up

Networking Etiquette for an Event or Meeting

  • Better to arrive early than late
  • Place your name tag on your right lapel
  • Smile warmly
  • Maintain eye contact
  • Shake hands firmly
  • Be aware of your body language
  • Be respectful of others' personal space
  • Join conversations in progress with grace
  • Exit a conversation politely
  • Avoid eating during a conversation

Business Cards

Creating a Powerful Business Card

An effective business card is a direct marketing vehicle, a lead generator and a networking tool. It represents you. Yet, many networkers don’t always carry business cards with them-even to casual events. Some people have made connections in foreign countries, on airplanes, at family outings or even at a swimming pool. Never be without your business card because you never know when you’ll have the opportunity to hand one out.
Unfortunately, many people have business cards that:

  • Are ineffective because the print is too small to read
  • Doesn’t tell the person receiving the card what they do for the company or what the company does
  • Have too much information on the card to read
  • Put stickers over outdated information to avoid printing new cards
  • Use too many typefaces

A business card should have:

  • Your name
  • The name of your business
  • Your website and email address
  • Your phone and fax number
  • Your address

Remember, your business card should briefly tell what you do. The business card should be printed on quality paper stock. You may want to work with a printer or graphic specialist to add a logo or design that makes the card more outstanding.

Remember a fold-over business card won’t fit in a Rolodex.

Exchanging Business Cards

  • Develop a system for carrying your cards. Don’t dig them out of a briefcase or purse.
  • Pass out your business cards selectively. Every person in the room doesn't need your card.
  • Look at the card before putting it away.
  • Ask permission to write on the back of the person’s card if you need to add information.

Name Badge Placement

It is important to always place your name badge on the right hand side of your body. This allows the person shaking your hand to see your name and the name of your company. Make your name tag as visible as possible.