| "If you build a network, you will have a bridge to | | | | be communicated. Your ability to look someone in the |
| wherever you want to go."- Harvey Mackay | | | | eye as you speak to them is a tell-tale sign of your |
| Networking is exchanging information, resources and | | | | own self-respect, as well as a display of respect for |
| ideas in such a way that builds a relationship. Being a | | | | the other person. -Remember, the eyes are the |
| successful networker requires preparation, patience, | | | | window to the soul. |
| persistence and practice. Just like friendships, some | | | | 6. Listen: We were born with two ears and one |
| will be short lived, while others will last a lifetime. | | | | mouth. The way to successful relationships is to use |
| Follow these 10 steps to Power up your Networking | | | | them proportionately.. Be Sincere. Reduce the "I, |
| skills! | | | | mine, my and me." Increase the "you, your and |
| 1. Mental Preparation: Ask yourself, why are you | | | | yours" and you'll become a great conversationalist. |
| here? What do you hope to accomplish from this | | | | 7. Find a common thread: Do you have a common |
| meeting/event? What do I have to offer this person | | | | interest (kids, sports, hobby, club, charity, etc). Ask |
| people? Realize that a successful relationship is a | | | | questions like: "What do you to do in your down |
| mutually beneficial relationship. | | | | time?" Married? Kids? What do you do for fun? |
| 2. Physical Preparation: Dress appropriately. Everything | | | | 8. Be upbeat and optimistic: People are attracted to |
| from your hair to your shoes is an indicator of who | | | | those who have a positive perspective. |
| you are, and what your style may be, or not be. | | | | Leave the doom and gloom to others and you stand |
| Projected image creates first impressions. You never | | | | above the crowd! |
| get a second chance to make a first impression. Oh, | | | | 9. Be Complimentary and Agreeable: Not in a |
| and don't forget the business cards. | | | | patronizing way. Look for opportunity to compliment |
| 3. Smile-Be friendly first, and everything else falls into | | | | someone in a sincere manner. Develop an agreeable |
| place. People who smile are 100 times more | | | | nature. You are much more likeable when you are |
| attractive than people who don't. Friendly breeds | | | | agreeable. Then, let them know you agree with |
| likability and trust. People do business with people | | | | them...Say so. |
| they like and people they trust. | | | | 10. Follow Through: An Email, a quick note or a phone |
| 4. Give a positive handshake: This means not a dead | | | | call soon after your meeting/event acknowledging |
| fish, weak handshake. And not a bone-crushing, "bring | | | | each person with a little personal message referring |
| 'em to their knees" shake either. Make it firm. Your | | | | to your in-person conversation. Note: The sooner and |
| handshake projects yourself-image in a way that | | | | more personal, the better. |
| breeds confidence in others. | | | | In summary, be prepared, be sincere, be yourself, |
| 5. Make eye contact: Look him or her in the eyes and | | | | listen well, and most of all, have fun. After all, it's not |
| think to yourself: "I like you." The positive vibes will | | | | brain surgery...just life. Enjoy the journey! |