Always Be Networking

Written by James Sanders

It is hard to believe, but the Holiday season is coming up in a few weeks.  Over the next two months, you will be traveling, attending parties, and probably seeing people that you don’t normally see during the remainder of the year.  While you might not want to think about it, this is a great time to network.  You never know what will come about from your conversations, but here are a few tips that may be of use:

1. Don’t get into conversations to try and get business (unless that is the purpose of the conversation).  It comes off as very “salesy” and is a big turnoff for people that you talk with.
2. Ask open ended, but targeted questions.  People in general love to talk about themselves and asking about them is an easy way to keep a conversation going.  You might learn a little about their business as well.
3. If you are having a good conversation, ask if you can follow up at a later time (and make sure you do).  People will generally respect the follow through.
4. Last, but not least, when you are in a conversation, remember that you have two ears and one mouth….use them in proportion. 

Other than that, below are some helpful networking articles:

• The Power Of Strategic Networking: How Meaningful Connections Fuel Success (forbes.com)
• A Better Approach to Networking (HBR.org)
• Networking 101: Building professional connections (thunderbird.asu.edu)