Effective Networking: Tips and Techniques

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Effective NetworkingTips and Techniques
Glenn Muske, Ph. D. Micro/Home-Based Business
Specialist 405-744-9931 glenn.muske_at_okstate.edu
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Networking

• True or False
• -Networking means meeting other people
• People think true
• Seen in their actions
• But 95 of networking is a waste of time

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A Networking Example
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Georges Seurat Invitation to a Sideshow
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Networking defined

• Widely-held definition - I know it when I see it
  but cant define it, explain it, or understand
  why I cant make it work
• Defined - The informal process of linking people
  to each other as resources assisting,
  supporting, and helping others find the resources
  they need

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Also Known As

• Linking
• Rainmaking
• The good ol boys
• Schmoozing
• Connecting
• 6 degrees to Kevin Bacon

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Why Network

• 2 Reasons To connect with
• Those who need me
• People I will need

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Another Way to Think About It

• More work/sales/customers
• Goal today is not making a sale
• Need help/Information
• Make another contact
• Build an informal advisory board/brain-trust/think
  tank
• Include other bus owners, assoc. members,
  experts, authors, regulators, consultants, people
  like you
• Want expertise, creativity, not yes people,
  know the industry, can be objective

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Network with

• Competitors or Noncompetitive competitors
• Like-minded AND non-like minded
• Professional associations
• Referral partners
• Complimentary products/services
• Same/Different geographical area
• Business contact spheres i.e., services
• Social contacts

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Networking Tips

• Positive attitude Set objectives - Plan
• Be sincere
• Know what you want to say
• Not a sales pitch
• Be a good listener 80 listen, 20 talk
• Thank people
• Offer help Be a referral source for others
• Practice, practice, practice

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Networking Events

• Dont arrive late Best opportunities in first
  30 minutes
• Dress appropriately
• Be the host Take advantage of no host events
• Manage your time
• Plan how to meet people and how to move
• Give undivided attention
• Work the room
• Stand by the food Everyone comes by

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What is a networking event?

• Anything and everything
• Working with a customer
• Giving a customer his or her bill
• Business conferences
• On a plane
• Social engagements
• On a golf course
• In church

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Networking Tools

• Your business card
• Business cards of others
• Name badge
• Brochures
• Notes On back of cards
• Memory hooks
• Help others remember you
• Use them to remember others

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After the Event

• Notes
• Keep in contact
• Immediate - Remember your promises
• On-going Set goals, per day or week
• Send note cards Hand-written is nice
• Make appointments
• Critique yourself Learn from your mistakes
• Reward yourself
• Plan the next event

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Good Networking

• Is an attitude
• Takes work
• Does not happen overnight
• Not a one-way street
• Has a pay-off
• Is a process
• Is reciprocated
• Does not end

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Remember

1. Remember your business card and your 10-second
   pitch
2. You never know who might be a key contact
3. And .

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Its NetWORK!!!

• Not
• Netsit

or Neteat