Business networking tips for the right attitude

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If you’re part of a business networking group or you’re thinking about joining one there are a few habits you can pick up and develop which are not only helpful but can really push you further and be remembered by more people. The smallest alteration in behaviour can greatly affect the way others view you. Most of the time, they are tiny changes in your everyday life and you won’t even notice a difference. There are also bad habits that you want to realise and avoid early on.

 

Here is a rundown of what I believe are the best tips when meeting with people and networking:

-          Be positive, smile and have a good approachable attitude. Of course if the situation calls for a more serious tone then adopt that but don’t be unapproachable and shy.

-          Maintain eye contact when speaking to somebody. Avoiding eye contact can make you appear nervous or uninterested – what are you hiding? Nobody wants to do business with somebody they believe is a liar.

-          Always carry your business cards with you, you never know when you are going to need one or somebody is interested in your services. This shows you are thinking ahead and prepared and organised.

-          Be polite, reply with yes or thank you. Without any effort you’re encouraging positive and pleasant conversation. The more enthusiastic and positive you are the more likely somebody will want to be around you. Try to give and receive positive feedback daily and this will create an overall positive attitude.

-          Compliment, congratulate and encourage others. Complimenting people will instantly boost their self esteem. Congratulating people for genuine achievements and celebrating with them shows you are interested in what they have achieved and acknowledged that they are doing well. Don’t be false with it though as people will spot this straight away. If you tell people how they affect your life and what they do that makes you happy you to are also being an influence on their life.

-          Introduce yourself to everybody you meet. The more contacts you get the better chance you have of converting your contacts into associates. That is what networking is all about. Meeting and making valuable contacts that generate future business. The more you introduce yourself the more your name gets around and the more likely you are to be recommended by a contact.

-          Shake hands when meeting people, even if you do not know them. This is a highly professional gesture but with body contact which makes it more personal. It would seem bad mannered not shaking someone’s hand when meeting them.

-          Avoid falling into bad habits such as becoming lazy, ignoring phone calls, cancelling meetings, forgetting business cards, replying to emails and letters too late and generally being unorganised. A little effort can go a long way.

 

If you can follow these small steps when business networking you can become a highly valued, highly visible member of any group and hopefully generate a lot more business for yourself.