Top Ten Networking Strategies to Get a Job, a Promotion, or Make a Sale
Whether you’re networking to find a new job opportunity, get a promotion, or close a sale, you have two main goals with networking:
1. Be remembered so that when opportunities arise, people think of you as the perfect person to handle things,
2. To be referred to others who can give you an idea of these opportunities.
Their overall goal, of course, is to get a job, make a sale, or win more business, but it’s these two steps that lead truly effective networkers to the jobs, careers, and opportunities they want. What effective networkers understand is that they don’t need to ask for anything other than advice and it is this advice that they use to be remembered and referred.
The following are ten tips on the best way to accomplish these two goals.
1. Act like a “resource person” and not like a “dirty job, promotion, or beggar.” This means showing the other person the benefits that you or your product or service bring. Be careful not to create the first impression that you are begging for the job or the sale.
2. Improve your self-confidence. Do this by learning as much as you can about yourself, your products, and your services. Also, learn as much as you can about the people you seek advice from. Preparation is the key to confidence.
3. Make sure you meet the right people, in the right place, at the right time.
4. Remember that what you are looking for is advice and information, not a job or a sale. It’s the information you collect that will lead to the job offer(s) or sales you want to achieve.
5. Make sure you budget your time effectively. Have a plan and strategy for your networking activities.
6. Listen and avoid talking. Lead the discussion by asking leading questions and letting the person share information. This is his time that you’re taking. Show them courtesy and respect by listening.
7. Constantly expand your network, but keep it alive at all times (see follow-up below).
8. Lower your risks to alleviate fear. This is best accomplished by being prepared.
9. To get the most out of your networking interactions, be sure to follow this formula:
A. Prepare before networking
1) Define your goals for interaction
2) Gather information about the individual and what it is about.
3) Know the cut-off point: If you tell someone you only need 5 minutes, only take 5 minutes
4) Prepare 3 key questions to ask
5) Reflect on how you could be useful
6) Research the person’s company
B. During network interaction
1) First 30 seconds
— Stand out
— Get the hook, earn their interest
— Introduce yourself slowly (provide your name plus relevant information about yourself that is of interest to the other party)
— Find common ground, establish a link
— Make sure they know who you are
– Make them the center of attention.
— Show sincere interest in what they have to say
2) During the “body” of the network interaction
— Adopt an enthusiastic attitude
— Ask relevant and stimulating questions
— Stay interested in them and what they are saying.
— Actively listen while they talk.
— Repeat the key information they can say
— Take notes (if applicable)
3) Last 2 minutes of the networking interaction
— Create a “memory anchor,” something that will trigger the other person’s memory when you contact them again.
— Exchange contact information
–Write some notes
— Memorize your name with your face
— With the other person’s permission, set up a follow-up meeting if necessary or appropriate
— Thank him for his time
— Summarize key points
10. Follow-up after the interview
A. Be prepared to reciprocate, that is, help the other person if possible.
B. Follow through on all the promises/commitments you made
C. As soon as possible after the interview, write down the key points of the discussion.
D. Leave or send a thank you package. Within 48 hours, follow up with a written thank you note and/or letter. Weave in the personal points of interest that the person expressed in the thank you note. For example: “You mentioned in our conversation that your daughter Sarah is thinking of majoring in marketing when she attends college this fall. If I can give you any advice on how to best leverage your academic experience within a marketing program, I’ll be glad to hear from you.” do it, just let me know.”
E. Stay in contact with the person. A few weeks later, find an article or other tangible item related to this topic and send it to the person, with an update on how you are doing and that you are still willing to help the person or their colleagues)
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