A major reason people join associations is to network and build professional connections. Yet few people have ever been taught how to network (or what networking really is, for that matter).
Recently, I spoke at an association conference and handed out my business card, which isn’t a traditional card as it has networking tips on it instead of just my data points.
A few weeks later, I was approached by the Chicago Dental Society asking permission to reprint the tips in their newsletter.
There are several learnings from this experience:
- Be prepared – carry business cards. Some people think they are no longer useful; however, I just got an email from someone who still has my card … from 10 years ago. Why? It has useful information on it.
- Be different – have your business card provide useful information.
- Be authentic – people often say that what makes me different is that I actually walk my talk. I’m approachable, friendly and provide information that people can implement immediately.
Here are the networking tips on my business card:
- Handshakes: Two shakes and …. let go!
- Where to put your name badge: On the upper right side of your chest. (The eye naturally flows up the right arm to the badge as you shake hands.)
- How long to talk to one person: Watch body language and eye contact. In general, three to five minutes, eight minutes max.
- Networking wardrobe: When in doubt, go up a notch.
- Pack a networking kit: Sharpie marker (so people can READ your name tag), pen & paper to write down notes, business cards and never ever doubt the value of a breath mint! 🙂
- What to talk about: Begin a conversation with “tell me” which gets it started.
- Eating: Travel with a nutrition bar so you aren’t hungry. Be wise with messy foods.
- Drinking: Keep the glass in the left hand to avoid giving a clammy handshake. Know your limits and be responsible.
- Follow-up: Think what you can offer next – an app, book, website, or even an introduction. Online follow-up works fine. Consider handwriting a note and sending with a postage stamp to get extra visibility.
From The Networking Survival Guide & Networking for Career Success, published in 9 languages by McGraw-Hill.
Written without the help of AI by Diane Darling. She can be reached at 617-308-0405 or Diane@DianeDarling.com.
About Diane Darling
Many event planners have faced the frustration and disappointment of attendees who spend the majority of their time on their phones, even during networking breaks. That’s where Diane Darling comes in. She is an energetic speaker who specializes in getting people to interact with each other in real life.
Diane has worked with a range of clients, including Yale Law School, Harvard Business School, 20th Century Fox, Fidelity Investments, American Bar Association, European Cardiology Society, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, TD Bank, Bank of America, Citizens Bank, Center for Women in Law, Canadian Consulate, Arts and Business Council, Zoho, Haynes Boone, Mintz, Cooley, SMU Dedman Law, Stanford Alumni, London School of Economics Alumni, Case Western Alumni, Avnet, C_Space, American Airlines, American Heart Association and Harvard Law School.
Diane’s talks are lively, informative and impactful, and they help attendees gain the confidence to step out of their comfort zones and engage with others at events. She includes interactive exercises that make people laugh and engage without feeling uncomfortable.
Read more about networking and making genuine connections here.
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