07 Aug 25 Ways to Win at Networking
- Be Open Source
Introduce contacts, never hoard them. - Master the Firm Handshake
Because wet noodles always flop. - Don’t Trash Talk Others
It makes people think that they are next on the chopping block. - Always Offer Your Business Card
They are still used and they are still effective. - Always Get Their Business Card
So you don’t rely on them for follow up contact. - Use Your First and Last Name When Introducing Yourself.
Don’t be just another “Ann.” - Know Your One Liner
Describe what you do in one pithy repeatable sentence. - Use Your Professional Photo
When connecting on social media, people want to see your photo, not your baby’s or a company logo. - Keep it Positive
Save the car payment talk or your dog’s medical issues for close friends. - Be a Helper
Like any currency, make introductions for others and they will make them for you. - Have a Signature Style
Dresses always. Fun necklaces. Hair in a bun. Choose one and stick with it. - Listen as Much as You Talk
Never leave a conversation without learning something. - Don’t Stick to Those You Know
When at an event or business setting, branch out. - Keep In Touch
Make it simple. Email an article that made you think of them. - Seize Social Media
Each platform is a new channel to bond with your contacts. - Ready. Aim. Fire.
Target dream contacts and reach out to them cold via email or tweets. - Be Persistent, Not Pushy
Contact with frequency but don’t stalk. - Read Body Language
If you see them retreat physically or offer a blank nod, change course. - Make New Friends But Keep the Old
Stay loyal to your original contacts. Don’t leapfrog your way to success. - Be Gracious
Thank others for invitations, introductions and any other helpful act. - Pay it Forward
Networking is not an eye for an eye game. Help others and they (not necessarily the same others!) will help you. - Don’t Oversell
Better to form a relationship and follow up with your pitch later. - Bring People Together
Host a gathering – a WAHM dinner or clients who love chess. - Say Yes to Invitations
The more out of your comfort zone you go, the more new contacts you will meet. - Don’t Take it Personally
Pay no heed to a one time slight. If it happens more than once, forgive and file.
Samantha Ettus is Founder of Working Moms Lifestyle, a bestselling author, media personality and speaker. Connect with her at @samanthaettus.
To read this article on Forbes, please click here.
Samantha Ettus is a bestselling author & corporate speaker. The Pie Life: A Guilt-Free Recipe for Success and Satisfaction will be released in September.