12 Networking Pointers To Success ~ Enhance Your Abilities & Grow Your Business

How many times have you heard your friends boast of their HP MFP for their small businesses? Were these the reasons behind why you also want to invest on one for your own office? Well, before you even buy your all-in-one printer from the manufacturer, it pays to look at some pros and cons of these products.

Many networking groups will allow you to try before you buy, and others will offer a pay per session charge. So ask around the people you know in business already – where do they go? What do they do? Or check out the trade journals or search on the internet to find groups in your area. And before making a huge investment, make sure that it is the right networking group for you and that it will give you the right returns.

Don’t Keep Your Emotions in Check. Most people think they have to do the poker face during a negotiation so as to not show all the cards. On the surface, that sounds like a good tactic. Poker players avoid tells to keep the advantage over their opponent. Well, the opposite is just as true. A show of emotion at key points, especially wherein money is concerned serves a purpose, too. Even if the person knows that such tactics will be used, human nature dictates that if someone has distress in his voice, we will feel a bit uncomfortable. That bit of distress or unease will give you a negotiating advantage.

To network means to understand what another person does, who their target is and who else they are looking to meet. Networking is not sending mass emails to people you have met for a few moments. For me, networking means I need to know as many different people as possible so that when my friends and colleagues are in need of something, I have a frame of reference to help. Networking is not meeting someone to get you more business. When people learn about what you do and see a need for your services, they will refer business to you naturally. When networking, your goal is to form a relationship.

Finally, take responsibility for your actions and don’t expect it to happen overnight. All good things take time so just because you don’t see the results immediately don’t get disheartened and don’t blame others.

12. Oh no, the limp lettuce handshake! You will have to software defined networking learn how to shake hands properly. This is something not many know how to do these days. Hold your hand out in front of you, smile, look the person in the eye and grip the other person’s hand briefly and introduce yourself. Not too strong and not for too long, and customarily right hand to right hand.

If you feel uncomfortable with the thought of networking, then change the way you think about it. Most of us think that networking is an activity, an event to attend, or a “thing to do”, in order to market our business. Rather than think of it that way, look at networking as an attitude, or a skill to be developed. It’s something that can become a part of us every day, and can be shared with everyone we meet.

Treat the person you are talking to like they are the most important person in the room. Intelligent networkers know that networking advice for college students is about showing an interest in others not others showing an interest in you.

Have business cards and/or marketing material on hand. If you’re at a networking meeting, the ultimate goal is to connect with people. Most people aren’t going to remember your name or your company website. Always be in a position to hand out business cards or marketing material. Your material should stand out in a way that encourages the recipient to want to go on your website or call you to learn more.

What are the general limitations of the service? Any time you start using internet service, you have to be aware what the limitations are going to be. No provider is going to deliver all the bandwidth you want, all the time. To be happy about your service, get to know what the general limitations are, so you don’t end up being disappointed later. Some issues will simply never be able to be overcome, no matter the provider.