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Written by Michael Goldberg

Boxing has rules. Networking has rules. Here are a few of my favorites!

FOR NETWORKING TO TAKE YOU HAVE TO GIVE
If you’re in a business networking group and you feel you don’t get value, look in the mirror and determine how much you participate, give, contribute, offer, volunteer, learn, help.

NO SELLING
Those you meet at networking events, mixers, golf outings, conferences, and trade shows are not your prospects unless they indicate that they are. Promoting your products and services will push contacts away rather than attracting them to you – the opposite of networking. Similar dynamic with all the bots right here on LI programmed to almost blindly pitch services.

BE CLEAR ON WHAT A REFERRAL MEANS TO YOU
The interpretation of the term “referral” seems to be in the eye of the beholder. Remember, you get what you ask for. For me, a referral is an introduction to someone that is interested in hiring me for my services (a true prospect). It’s a qualified introduction. But that’s me. What does a “referral” mean to you? And does your networking community know?

BE INTERESTED ENOUGH TO ASK GREAT QUESTIONS
May I share a quick story? What exciting plans do you have this summer? What brings you to this event? How did you get into your line of work? What type of projects are you working on? Do you have a target market? What does a referral mean to you? What are your favorite types of clients? How can I help?

CONVERSATIONS ARE A TWO-WAY STREET
That’s what makes them conversations. After asking questions and getting responses, there should be a tone of “How about yourself?” Be collaborative! When a conversation feels one sided, it indicates a lack of interest, lack of connection, and often a lack of potential. Remember, nothing great happens without a personal connection. Networking is a people business.

HAVE FUN!
Networking could be fun. No, really! I know networking is not for everyone. In fact, I know successful sales professionals that would rather fake their own death then network. Here’s the truth, if you plan to have fun conversations, meet fun people, and don’t take the “work” part of network too seriously, you’ll become more confident, more effective, more attractive, and have way more fun!

I’ll share more Networking Rules soon! Ding~ding!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NETWORKING RULE?