Title Successful Networking in 7 Simple Steps

Author Claire Dignall

Year Published 2014

Kind of Book Networking/Business/Relationships

How strongly I recommend it 3/10 

My Impressions There are better books on this topic. I wouldn't recommend it

Date Read Feb 2019

What question is the author trying to answer?

  • How can a person improve their ability to network?

Practical Takeaways

  • Re-acquaint yourself with people you already know//look at everyone you know with fresh eyes

  • Give, without expecting anything in return

  • Spend time with friends, family, and colleagues you've not seen lately. Treat them as if you've just met.

  • Invest time in energy in relationships with people whom you'd turn to in a crisis

  • Sort out your business details before you network

  • Never be closed to serendipitous meeting, even if it is not your game plan

  • Invest time in "weak ties" to ensure that, should an opportunity arise, it is your name they think of first

  • Surround yourself with those that bring out your best

  • Hold your own event. Ask your friends to bring their friends

  • Always be meeting new people to bring them into your network

  • Build lasting relationships and offer value to them

  • Get business cards printed and always have them with you

  • Set aside a monthly allowance for networking

  • Check your social media updates every day

  • Post regular updates on social media, but don't overpost

  • Post things that are relevant to your audience

  • Ask other people questions on social media

  • Like and comment on people's posts

  • Personalize invites (eg. "Hey Chad,)

  • Never post in anger

  • Greet people by name who you have met

  • Don't just hang out with people you already know in social situations

  • Don't overdress

  • Don't wear something uncomfortable, no matter how good it looks

  • Go for clothes and shoes that make you feel good as well as look good

  • Walk decisively through the door. Pause and look around

  • Don't touch your nose, put you ears, play with your hair, or cross your arms defensively

  • Introduce yourself to someone fairly promptly when you enter the location

  • Have a 20-30second response prepared for the question "what do you do"

  • To introduce yourself at Networking event

Name

Job title

Company

Company location

Why you're here

  • Elevator pitch

Be short and to the point

Keep a conversation tone of voice

Focus on the benefits you offer clients

  • Practice delivering your elevator pitch

  • Don't tell people everything when you ask what you do

  • Don't plan to fail

  • Don't be late

  • Set yourself tangible targets that you can achieve

  • Listen with the intent to understand, not the intent to reply-Stephen R. Covey

  • Find out how your voice sounds to others

  • Take time for courtesy in all business networking

  • Encourage others to talk more than you

  • Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no

  • Ask yourself "do others often ask you to repeat yourself?"

  • Start every conversation with a handshake

  • Don't let your gaze turn into an unsettling stare

  • Keep your hands away from your mouth and face

  • Resist the urge to cross your arms

  • Don't immediately drop unlikable people from your network

  • Don't abandon ship too quickly if it seems like someone doesn't want to talk to you

  • Learn as much as you can about the culture of the people you are going to visit or work with

  • When in Rome, do as the Romans do-Proverb

  • Learn how to say 'hello' 'goodbye' 'please' 'thank you' and 'sorry'

  • Warm up socially on the way to the event. (talk to the cab driver, talk to the bouncer etc.)

  • Introduce yourself to everyone in the group

  • Engage everyone in a group conversation

  • If you spot someone alone, help them out by introducing yourself

  • Finish the conversation when still both have more to say//same with date

  • Let go of stagnant relationships

  • Learn how to ask for and accept help

  • Don't just hand out your business card to everyone you meet. Only hand it out if there are clear benefits to both of you

  • Close with a handshake

  • Make notes about the people you met (to remember names and what you talked about)

  • Review what worked and what didn't

  • Ensure that you always offer value every time you meet

 

Big Ideas

  • Often It's the people you know least who could be the most useful to you

  • We tend to remember people who are good listeners

  • People appreciate it when you ask them to repeat their name

  • Because

    • Asking someone to repeat their name shows a person that you value them enough to get their name right