Effective Networking: Do’s & Don’ts

By Mike Semanco, President, Hennessey Capital

The key is just showing up.  This rings true in daily life events as well as networking.  Networking can be stressful to some and to others it is like riding a bike.  The problem is if you do not show up, you may miss meeting a great new contact, developing a new relationship or having a chance at a new opportunity at some point in the future.  There have been numerous times where it would have been easy to skip a scheduled event.  But once you are there and strike up a conversation with people in the room, the reason for attending becomes very clear.

The attitude and strategy I bring to a networking event is to figure out how I can help others succeed.  If you have the mindset of helping others, you take a genuine interest in listening to the conversation and it takes you out of “sales mode”.  Making a sale during a networking event should be the last thing on your mind. Creating relationships with like-minded people and those you enjoy speaking with is first and foremost.  People do business with people they like and trust.  Building a relationship is the first step to developing trust with someone. 

So once you convinced yourself to attend an event, use the following do’s and don’ts to make it time well spent.

Do’s

• Show up- you never know who you will meet.
• Have a goal on how many new people you want to meet.   
• Smile at everyone, make contact and say hello- remember first impression.
• Listen with genuine interest and offer to help.
• Address the person by name- helps you remember their name in the future.
• Ask for a business card and ask if the person would like yours.
• Develop a concise message if you are asked to explain your business.
• Follow up after the event to say thanks or schedule a follow up meeting to continue the discussion and build the relationship.

Don’ts

• Don’t attend with the expectation of landing a new opportunity.
• Use it as bar night.  Manage alcohol consumption or do not drink at all.
• Don’t be afraid to start a conversation and try not to start with “So what do you do”?
• Focus on quantity of contacts, focus on quality.
• Don’t dominate the conversation. Remember to ask questions.

Leveraging Your Network - Capital Conversations Episode 5

One of every businesses’ strongest assets is their network! Whether it’s professionals like CPAs or Attorneys, or your the fellow assistant coach on your kid’s baseball team, your network is an invaluable business tool and should be nurtured, especially in challenging times.

Mike shares his tips on success in networking, from what kinds of events to attend to social networking online. Take a listen, and leave your tips and feedback in the comments!

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