Networking Tips from Businesswomen

Posted January 30th, 2008 by Susan Gunelius in Networking, Women On Business

One of the blogs I read frequently is Biz Chicks Rule, which is authored by Kristen King and Bridget Wright. Kristen was interviewed for an article in the Washington Post that was published on Sunday about networking. In fact every businessperson who was interviewed for the article by author, Gabriel Goldberg, is a woman from the Washington DC area, and they give excellent advice to jumpstart your networking efforts.

Here are some of the networking tips given by businesswomen in the Washington Post article:

Kristen King, a freelance writer, speaker and consultant warned that we should avoid, “talking only about yourself instead of getting to know the other person. If you’re totally egocentric in your marketing, people will avoid you like the plague.”
Jeanine Cogan, a leadership coach said, networking is an, “opportunity to reveal your character and competence, and to support others in their successes.”
Ardell Fleeson, a frequent speaker on business networking, reminds us of the importance of business cards and warns against running out of them. Without business cards, the chances for follow-up are slim to none, and networking is worthless without follow-up.

I agree with all three of these tips. Networking is about more than boosting sales or finding a new job. It’s about building long-term relationships and learning from each other.

Can you think of any other networking tips to add?

6 Responses to “Networking Tips from Businesswomen”

Kristen King on January 30, 2008 10:46 am
Thanks for the link love, Susan! Gabe’s article did indeed offer some valuable tips. I’m glad I got to be a part of it.

Kristen
Teresa Morrow on January 30, 2008 7:00 pm
Susan,

One tip about networking that I would like to add, when you are networking, come with the word VALUE in your mind. What I mean by that is….come with the thought of adding value to others when you talk with them. Like you mention Susan, do not come with selling…that is one of the quickest ways to be removed from someone’s mind. However, if you offer value like tips, suggestions, and/or ideas for others, they will see the value of your offerings.
And, be sure to network where your target market hangs out. Of course to do this you will need to be sure to know your target market. I notice others will say,”Well, I want to have everyone know about me and what I do.” However, everyone can’t be your target market because one person or one company can’t possible handle “everyone”. By being focused in your networking, you are more apt to be around those who need and are seeking your expertise.
Also, get to know what other people like in their personal lives and write those things down. And maybe when you see a interesting article about their favorite subject….you can send them the link to the article or subject.

Well, those are my ideas about networking. I love to get to know others.

Thanks for the great discussion.
Ashley Burr on January 30, 2008 7:29 pm
Don’t even attempt to network with people unless you have the capacity for sincerity. People will see right through a slimy approach to easily land a useful contact or potential client; the last thing you want to leave someone with is a dishonest, unethical first impression. People in all types of business are sick and tired of the mindless, spineless sales pitch. Have the backbone to be sincere.
Susan Gunelius on January 30, 2008 10:35 pm
Teresa, I love your suggestion for getting to know people’s interest and sending news or articles about that topic to them. That really shows that you’re listening when you’re networking and that you value the relationship.

Great tips!
Susan Gunelius on January 30, 2008 10:37 pm
Ashley, I completely agree. It seems like most people enter networking with their guards up. Sincerity can cut through those walls. Thanks for adding that to the discussion!
Elizabeth Gordon on January 31, 2008 12:22 pm
Someone taught me a great system for prioritizing networking contacts. Quite simply, you fold the corners down on the business cards to mark the degree of urgency or importance of the contact. Invariably, at a networking event you will meet some duds, some interesting and nice people, and then some absolutely fabulous people. For the duds you just put the card in your purse and move on, those that you do want to follow up with, fold down one corner of the card, those that you are really excited about get two corners folded down, and so on. The more corners folded marking the better the contact. I learned this from a very successful older gentleman who called me one afternoon and said, I meet a lot of people, and frankly I don’t remember where I met you or exactly what we talked about but you must have made quite an impression on me because I have your card and it has all 4 corners folded down, so I knew I just had to call you. I find this helpful in prioritizing who I’ve met and also less intrusive than pulling out a pen and writing notes on the back of their card while you are standing right in front of the person.