Offline networking tips to help you online

Successful networking depends greatly on the impression you create. You want to be remembered, but for the right reasons. Networking events such as seminars, conferences and expos provide ample opportunities to build your contact list, and as many opportunities to reduce it. You want to be remembered for your decorum and business savvy, not for your overindulgence in the complementary sherry and karaoke singing at dinner. There is the right way and the wrong way to go about networking. This is just as true online as off.

Scott Allen wrote an article about creating a distinct and favourable impression at social networking events. These tips can also be translated into effective strategies for successful networking online.

1) According to Allen, the first thing to do is distinguish yourself from the horde. This is easier to achieve at an event than online. At an event you can wear something eye-catching (not eye-watering). Unusual jewellery or spats on shoes will do it. So will a simple neat appearance. Just make sure that you don’t come across as twee, fastidious or affected.

When networking online, an unusual username, witty rather than smutty, will attract attention and stick in the memory. It’s especially useful if your username relates to your business in some way. For example, PurplePen is a nice, alliterative name for a freelancer, plus, the colour purple has royal connotations so it must be good. AcidPen, on the other hand, has negative connotations, and unless you’re in the business of revenge, should be avoided.

2) Give others the benefit of your full attention. Physically this means that you need to listen to what is said, take note of opinions, keep eye contact, and use the other person’s name when you address them. Don’t keep looking around for the pate’ or half-listen to more than one conversation at a time.

This is fairly easy to do online. Respond promptly to messages and comments, update your profile and keep others informed about company news and events. Comment on other pages and engage in online conversations. Be polite and courteous: you want to make friends, not enemies. Remember to use netiquette. It takes time, but then, doesn’t all networking?

3) Ask good questions, they can be thought-provoking, business related or semi-personal, but they must convey genuine interest. I say semi-personal because while it’s acceptable to ask someone about the most rewarding aspects of his/her job, it’s poor form to ask how their work impacts on their relationships with their children. Know where the line is and don’t cross it. No one likes a nosy-parker. This is just as true online.

4) Another tactic that works well online and off is reinforcing well-chosen keywords. People aren’t like elephants, they forget, many times. What you have to do is try and control what they remember. You can do this by picking a few salient facts about yourself that you would like others to remember (Allen suggests your name, what your line of work is, your company’s name, your location, and your product) and then subtly mention them as often as you can.

Subtlety is the key. You can relate funny stories about your business name (perhaps how you came about it), mention something remarkable about the area where you work (give it a landmark and make it a physical presence in people’s minds). Just make sure you keep it positive, don’t talk about rampant crime, and don’t mention the problems you’re having with your staff. Contrary to what people say, there is such a thing as bad publicity.

5) Speak up and engage in conversation. Don’t prattle for the sake of it, as the point is to contribute to the conversation, not to monopolise or stall it. Be intelligent but not pretentious. Be witty if you can, but don’t force it if you can’t. People judge you by what you deem valuable enough to say, and they will associate your business with you. Do your business a favour and make your conversation work for you and not against you.

Online or offline, networking plays an important role in the success of your business. Impressions are lasting, so make sure you leave everyone you interact with, with a favourable one of you. Remember to put people first and stay clear of the complimentary sherry, and you’ll be well on your way to networking success.

Recommended site:

http://entrepreneurs.about.com/od/businessnetworking/a/memorable.htm

Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers Find In Africa comprehensive Internet directory service one of the leading Internet directories for information ranging from business news and contacts to weddings.