Networking is not something that you do once and expect miracles to happen. It is effective only if people get to know who you are and what business you represent. They judge your business by the way you present yourself.



Do the following quiz and see if you are a true net-worker or just having a

'Strategic Act of Lunch' Quiz First jot down the name of a person you believe to be a good networking contact

Questions:

1.How relevant do you feel that person is to your business success Very ? Not very 0 ? 10

2.How often does he or she suggest you talk to some-one that may help your business? Never - Often 0 - 10

3.How many of his/her contacts have given you some of their time?None - All 0 - 5

4. Is this person willing to share opportunities?

Yes - No 0 - 10

5. Are they indebted to you from a past introduction?

Yes - No 0 - 5

6. How willing are they to introduce you within their network? Yes - No 0 - 10

Scoring:

Total your points and multiply your total points by 2

If you have scored over 75 - Excellent You know what it's all about, don't let go of that contact.

If your score is between 65 -75 Okay

If your score is less than 65

You are simply having a 'Strategic act of Lunch'

The following are tips for developing your network. Begin with networks connected to the best clients:

There is no point in attending an event relating to pensioners if you are selling prestige cars. Network with your own level and above: Ask around and find out who the decision makers are, then join the networks where these decision makers gather. Move onto a more beneficial environment where you can expose yourself to greater opportunities. Be patient - don't be discouraged: No-one will buy your product or service the instance they set eyes on you. Networking is the introduction; the rest is up to you. Add value to the network: Take an active part in the network, become a committee member, contribute to the newsletter or make it a point to greet all newcomers.

Look for opportunities to help: It will set you apart from all the rest. Follow-up if offering help: Don't let people down, this will reflect on the way you carry out your business Don't arrive when everything has been done: If you don't intend to be true to your word then don't offer. Do favors: Pass on ideas, information, introductions, opportunities, voluntary work Ensure that it is a two way street: What you do for others will come back to you. The Networking event:

Select seminars and conferences for their networking opportunities: At times it may be wise to hear the same speaker twice for the sake of making the right contacts. Check the attendees list if possible: Ring the organizers and ask who else will be attending Check the tags that are laid out: For name recognition prior to the seminars, then you will know who to look for when the opportunity arises. Commit to arriving early and stay until the end of the function: Your best contact may be the first person to arrive or the last to leave. You may be better remembered if you are not just one of the crowd. Be interested: There is always something to learn from every presentation. Listen: You don't know when you may be asked for your opinion. Prepare Conversation starters: Rehearse a number of opening lines. There is no point in asking someone if they come here often if they are standing alone and look lost. Rehearse your 45 second introduction: When asked what business you are in, answer smoothly and confidently, 45 seconds may be all the time you have. Establish common ground: If hiking in the Andes is your passion, don't assume every one wants to hear about your last escapade. Read the paper: Magazines and relevant publications that hold a common interest for members always makes for good conversation starters. Clip out relevant articles: Send to network contact with a hand written note. They will appreciate the thought. Keep in touch with a new contact at least once a fortnight: This can be over a cup of coffee, news items specific to their line of business or a phone-call. Engage in at least 1 networking activity each week: Even if it's a 'Strategic Lunch'

Definition of Strategic Networking: - Creating Business Relationships