Ten Networking Tips for Business or Career

1. Prepare an “elevator speech” – a 30-second infomercial about you and what you can offer others
2. Use your existing contacts – we all have more than we think we do
3. Target groups – either in a specific field or industry
4. Show interest in others – ask questions and get the contacts to talk about themselves, but most importantly be sincere
5. Don’t ask for a job or for work – it may force the other person to say “No” or feel that you’re using them
6. Build relationships – strangers won’t put their reputations on the line for you
7. Be generous – networking is a two-way street, if you only go one-way, you’ll be heading away from your resources
8. Honor relationships – try to gauge if you’re coming across as always looking for a favor
9. Follow through – thank you’s and updates on how a referral went for you; don’t just “Eat and Run”
10. Maintain your network – nurture the ties you have all of the time, opportunities are often unpublished

How are you doing? How many of these are doing well? Is there room for improvement?