Effective Networking: Tips and Techniques

1. Effective Networking:Tips and Techniques Glenn Muske, Ph. D. Micro/Home-Based Business Specialist 405-744-9931 glenn.muske@okstate.edu

2. Networking • True or False -Networking means meeting other people • People think true • Seen in their actions • But 95% of networking is a waste of time

3. A Networking Example

6. Georges Seurat Invitation to a Sideshow

7. Networking defined: • Widely-held definition - “I know it when I see it but can’t define it, explain it, or understand why I can’t make it work” • Defined - The informal process of linking people to each other as resources; assisting, supporting, and helping others find the resources they need

8. Also Known As Linking Rainmaking The “good ol’ boys” Schmoozing Connecting “6 degrees to Kevin Bacon”

9. Why Network 2 Reasons – To connect with: • Those who need me • People I will need

10. Another Way to Think About It • More work/sales/customers • Goal today is not making a sale • Need help/Information • Make another contact • Build an informal advisory board/brain-trust/think tank • Include other bus owners, assoc. members, experts, authors, regulators, consultants, people like you • Want expertise, creativity, not “yes” people, know the industry, can be objective

11. Network with: • Competitors or Noncompetitive competitors • Like-minded AND non-like minded • Professional associations • Referral partners • Complimentary products/services • Same/Different geographical area • Business contact spheres – i.e., services • Social contacts

12. Networking Tips • Positive attitude – Set objectives - Plan • Be sincere • Know what you want to say • Not a sales pitch • Be a good listener – 80% listen, 20% talk • Thank people • Offer help – Be a referral source for others • Practice, practice, practice

13. Networking Events • Don’t arrive late – Best opportunities in first 30 minutes • Dress appropriately • Be the host – Take advantage of “no host” events • Manage your time • Plan how to meet people and how to move • Give undivided attention • Work the room • Stand by the food – Everyone comes by

14. What is a networking event? • Anything and everything • Working with a customer • Giving a customer his or her bill • Business conferences • On a plane • Social engagements • On a golf course • In church

15. Networking Tools • Your business card • Business cards of others • Name badge • Brochures • Notes – On back of cards • Memory hooks • Help others remember you • Use them to remember others

16. After the Event • Notes • Keep in contact • Immediate - Remember your promises • On-going – Set goals, # per day or week • Send note cards – Hand-written is nice • Make appointments • Critique yourself – Learn from your mistakes • Reward yourself • Plan the next event

17. Good Networking • Is an attitude • Takes work • Does not happen overnight • Not a one-way street • Has a pay-off • Is a process • Is reciprocated • Does not end

18. Remember • Remember your business card and your 10-second pitch • You never know who might be a key contact • And ….

19. It’s NetWORK!!! Not Netsit or Neteat