Networking Tips for all Generations

A friend of mine once told me that he doesn’t go to networking events anymore since he’s proven himself to his employer and he’s now more established.  Now only the younger members of his company attend networking events – just to impress the boss. I was amazed at this statement but not surprised.

Networking should be fun and easy, regardless of your status at your company or firm. We should all be doing it. We network to bring business to our company or firm, it helps us find jobs, recruit new talent and even make friends. Networking has also been rumored to keep business professionals sharp and up-to-date on the latest news and trends in the business community.  If your networking skills are a bit rusty, here are some simple tips to help dust off the cobwebs:

Talk to Strangers
Yes, it’s ok to talk to people you don’t know, that’s the reason you are there. If you go to a networking event, look for those who are not talking to anyone.  If you know some people at the event, introduce the “loner” to your connections.                

Be Genuine
Too often people go to networking events to meet as many people as possible and pass out hundreds of their business cards. This approach can turn people off and it should. Just be yourself and meet the people you want to meet. You want to build relationships with the people you meet by being authentic.

Become a Good Listener
If you enjoy talking about yourself, please stop. Go to events with the intention to truly get to know someone. Most people like talking about themselves, so let them. Ask them questions and be interested in what they have to say.   

Be a Resource
It’s not only about what other people you meet can do for you, but it’s also the opposite.  Show  your knowledge by being a good resource.  People that see you as a resource will hopefully refer other people to you. And don’t forget to stay up-to-date with current events. Read the paper or go to your favorite news sites before the event.

Stay In Touch
Now that you’ve made some contacts, what’s next? Keep in touch with those you meet. Send them an e-mail the day or two after the event.  Invite them to join your LinkedIn group.  If you are going to a networking event, invite some of your new and old contacts who might benefit from attending.  The point is to keep in touch with those you meet.

Use these tips at the next event, and you’ll see how easy it is to network. Need ideas on what events to attend? Visit our Web site for a list of upcoming programs. 

And most importantly… attend the ASCPA’s joint networking event with the State Bar on Nov. 5.  Good luck and happy networking!