A lot of people have been asking me for networking tips and advice.

I would honestly say one of the most underrated tools we can use at our disposal is just writing a really good follow up email.

If you are going to a networking event if you are collecting business cards. I would recommend putting all of the cards you collect into one side of your pants and the other side is where you keep your cards so it doesn’t get mixed up and you stumble getting out your card and look like a fool.

I would highly recommend always writing the date and/or the event that you met them at so it becomes easier to remember the source of the event to mention if you ever do need to follow up.

What usually helps for me is just remembering something distinct about what they wore or something quickly to help you remember. People will always be impressed if you mention something that was months ago just because you took the extra time to write something that was special about them when you first met.

I was just listening to a podcast about utilizing the memory palace for those of you who are up for a challenge.

https://lewishowes.com/podcast/e-nelson-dellis/

Basically, how it works is picture your house or something you are really familiar with and you can associate an image at certain portions of the house so for instance if you were walking into the front door and having this visualization helps you remember a bigger sequence of phone numbers and people that you meet once you start collecting a ton of business cards.

That same night(so it is still fresh from your memory), I would typically write a nice email mentioning something that you have spoke about and asking what a perfect referral would look like for him or her.

That way, if you make new connections or meet others you can help our your new contact.

I think it is also wise to choose contacts and keep in touch with people you generally really like and get along with. I don’t think there is a lot of point in staying in touch with people you generally do not get along with because most likely they are not going to help you out if you ask for the help anyways.

Following up is a process and requires energy and time to maintain. The best networkers out there have a systematic approach and tap into their network but also give back much more than they take. They are the go-to people when anyone has any sort of requests or questions about anything. I have been fortunate enough to be that guy as of late.

I do love being able to help people and see businesses grow and I do get a lot of satisfaction for being able to provide value to others.

What do you see when you think of a great networker?

What qualities and characteristics do you think of when you think of someone who you instantly gravitate towards?

The people I generally notice who the ones who can get along with anyone are true to themselves and authentic in their intentions and mannerisms.

You will meet people that actually remember the little things that will surprise you and pick up things that others normally do not think about.

If you are truly present when speaking to anyone at networking events people will remember how you made them feel and not necessarily what you have said.

Shoot me a quick message if you found this helpful or if there anything you would like for me to write about that you think would be valuable to share with my readers.

Networking Uncategorized advice business life Networking tips