SESSION EIGHT: MANAGING THE MINGLING
The underlying principle of networking is that people prefer to do business with, to hire, or to buy from, people they know. By extending your reach to many people, you can increase your base of potential clients.
In this session, you will learn what networking is all about and what it can do for you. You will also learn some tips for remembering names, as well as the trick to making the most out of your network.
Understanding Networking
Networking can not only help you get what you want; it can also add immeasurably to your polish and sophistication. Attending meetings of business organizations or community groups and getting to know new people gives you greater self-confidence, builds your people skills, and offers you opportunities to interact with successful business people. Networking exposes you to new ideas and helps you keep current on what is going on around you.
It’s important to flex your networking muscles as much as possible. Many people network only when they are looking for a job or when they first get into sales. The trick is to network constantly and to keep your contacts current, so they will be there for you whenever you need them.
Two things to get right include:
- Remembering names
- Your handshake
Tips for Remembering Names
- Concentrate.
- Get the name right.
- Repeat the name out loud, right after you hear it. Try to find other opportunities to use it.
- Get some kind of visual fix. (Matt has thick hair like a mat.) These are not things you are ever expected to share with the person so be as creative as you must be to remember visually.
- Group associate. Know where you met the person. Write it on their business card if you get one.
- Write the name down as soon as you can
- Pay attention. That’s most important.