Networking Fundamentals

Here's a great article on business networking:

How to Survive Speed Networking by Alan Matthews.
http://www.webtrafficpromotions.com/marketing/6368.php

Matthews reminds us of some of the networking fundamentals we all have been told but maybe don't actually implement. And while they are written to apply to speed networking - a timed exercise - they are also terrific truisms for any form of business networking.

Here's a quick summary:

1. Have one specific goal - decide ahead of time what you are going to promote and how, and keep it to a single purpose or message.
2. Ask them to take the action you want them to take - be specific, be direct, and always ask them to take some action that would help them, and your business.
3. Hand them something to reinforce your message - give them a business card or brochure that repeats in writing numbers 1 and 2.
4. Follow up - make contact after any networking opportunity with those you met. Just send a quick email and reinforce your message.

See, pretty simple. But how often do any of us network in that organized a fashion? Seems to me it would take little effort and make good business sense.

Tom Poorman