Comments on: Networking Tips from Businesswomen

By: Elizabeth Gordon

Elizabeth Gordon — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:22:26 +0000

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.

By: Susan Gunelius

Susan Gunelius — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 02:37:09 +0000

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!

By: Susan Gunelius

Susan Gunelius — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 02:35:52 +0000

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!

By: Ashley Burr

Ashley Burr — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 23:29:19 +0000

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.

By: Teresa Morrow

Teresa Morrow — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 23:00:41 +0000

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.

By: Kristen King

Kristen King — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:46:18 +0000

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