‘Tis the season. September through December offers us that last, final push to make our year the success we envisioned in January. All kinds of groups and organizations recognize this factoid, and they offer networking opportunities galore.
As with any game or relationship, networking comes with its own set of rules and etiquette. Knowing what to do is important. Sometimes knowing what not to do is even more important.
There aren’t a lot of rules—it’s not like playing cards with your sister when you were twelve, and she made things up as you went along.
Networking comes with just a few. Know them and you’ll develop a wonderful, productive environment.
Rule 1: Don’t ask for immediate pay-back. The most powerful tool in networking is to ask, “How will I know when I meet a good prospect for you?” Be the giver. Just don’t look for an immediate, in-that-moment payback. It will come. Trust the process.
Rule 2: Treat a mentor like a mentor. If you’ve identified someone you’d like to get to know and seek as a mentor, do so respectfully, unassumingly, and with the intention of giving more than receiving (there’s a theme here). What could you give to a mentor? Find that out.
Rule 3: Watch The Clock. Respect the person’s time. Don’t monopolize their time, ramble on, or try to sell them in that moment.
Rule 4: Follow through on your promises. If you promise to contact them, contact them. If you promise to call a person they have referred, call them. If you promise to send information quickly, send the information quickly. Don’t be “that guy.”
Rule 5: Say Thank You. When someone gives you something of value—a referral, a lead, a scoop—say thank you. In writing. Written not typed. Everyone remembers a handwritten note. And being thanked never gets tiresome!
Put these into practice this networking season and this will be your season of success.
Hey, I’m watching the clock. I respect your time. Don’t want to keep you any longer.
Go forth and do great things,
Martha and Chris