Face2Face Networking Tips Print

1. Make a list of 100 people that you would send a
Christmas card, a thank you note, a birthday card,

or a get well card. Do your best to list 100.

A - contacts: people that you talk with or email at
least once a week or more. (25% or 25 of 100)

 

B - contacts: people that you talk with or email at
least once a month or more. (50% or 50 of 100)

 

C - contacts: people that you have recently met or
that you talk to or email once a quarter or more. 

(25% or 25 of 100)

 

This list becomes your network and the database for leads, jobs, innovative ideas,
and professional/personal growth. The list is fluid - people in each of the categories

can change and move to a more or less significant group.

 

2. Spend 90% + of conversation asking that person questions about them and

about their business.  People enjoy talking about themselves and their business 

success - let them, encourage them!  How can you help them?  

 

3. After a meeting or an interview, however formal or informal, thank the person for

their time, but more importantly, make sure that you send them a handwritten note. 

Email is okay if time is short, but a handwritten note provides that personal touch.

 

Story:  Sean was at an informal social gathering for business men and women.
Sean saw an acquaintance (probably a B or a C) and the two visited for a few minutes. 

The acquaintance was in the telecommunications business.  A few minutes later,
through another friend, Sean met an individual who had just moved his business
into a new office building.   After introductions and some light conversation, talk
turned to the difficulty the office building was having providing phone and internet
service to this manʼs new business location.  Sean quickly introduced his friend
in the telecommunications business to this new contact and to what turned out to

be a quick and an efficient solution to phone and internet difficulties.  The introduction
of these two individuals required approximately ten minutes and the solution - only
a couple of phone calls and one business day.  Both businessmen were very
grateful and each sent Sean a brief thank you note for his face to face networking
expertise.

 

How can I help people in my network?