Gary Blonder (pictured above), the chair at our Bradford Group’s breakfast networking meetings, shares with us his top seven principles of effective business networking.

Many professionals have a difficult time meeting people and building relationships because they don’t know the basics of networking. These are:

1) Set Goals

Who do I want to meet? Why do I want to meet these people? Where will I meet these people?

2) Carry Business Cards at All Times

Your cards should always be to hand everywhere.

3) Take Good Notes on Business Cards

When you meet people, it’s important to remember what has been said. Take notes on the back of their business cards to remember your conversation when you follow up.

4) Be Genuine

Always listen , giving eye contact, asking questions and not interrupting. Build trust and a good relationship, and don’t actively sell.

5) Offer to Help Others

Offering to help others before you ask for help is a networking must. Offer to share resources, make introductions, gather data and perform consulting. By extending yourself to others, you will build a reputation as a giver rather than a taker.

6) Follow Up

Without follow up, you won’t be able to build relationships and your network. Follow up with people the next day so you’re still fresh in their minds.

If you offer to help someone – no matter how big or small – you need to follow up. Otherwise you won’t be taken seriously and your networking efforts won’t be very effective.

7) Build Relationships

You need to continue to build your relationship with people, otherwise your network won’t be very valuable and attentive to your needs. By reaching out to them, you will come across as genuine and someone who values your relationships.

Final Thought

By incorporating some or all of the above networking principles, you will be more prepared for events and a truly effective networker! Enjoy yourself and don’t forget that networking is a continual process with each person you meet.

Put Them Into Practice

Having read Gary’s priciples, if you’d like to share your own, please contribute with a comment below and if you’d like to put these priciples into practice at one of Gary’s meetings, give him a call on 07837 970745 or drop him an email on bradford@joinpronet.com

More details about proNet’s Bradford meetings including forthcoming meeting dates and directions to the venue, may be found on the Group’s profile page.

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