[Make Your Mark]

Are you networked?

Please submit hints and tips on networking efficiently!

[Eugenia]

The first tip that comes to mind is: don't spam the social networks! Be relevant and useful to others and use two-way communication.

[laurieming]

some tim network is really silly

[inle]

Add value to others..
Open your eyes & mind..
Listen with your ears & heart..

[XOLegato]

The key to effective networking is not to create massive amounts of contacts; spamming online resources or meeting hundreds of professionals at events is silly. Instead, you must build quality contacts. Find those few influential and relevant individuals at the events who you believe a strong relationship would be good to have with. In your conversations with new people, be on the lookout for things you may have in common (same college, same industry, mutual friends, similar backgrounds, shared hobbies or interests - golf! -, etc.). I remember meeting with one VC who was lukewarm until our exec team told the story of how we formed the company- high school friends reconnecting blah blah- and he said it reminded him of he and his friends forming their first company when he was young. Needless to say, the rest of the meeting went well.

[mtheory]

See this thread

Facebook Link Mobbin'

[sdiener]

Linked-in. Start a group that pertains to your experience.
In mine, it was a group of former Enterprise Rent-A-Car employees. 1600 members now...

[Gaulkin]

I know one person that knows everyone, all that is needed.

[my_misyel]

Create a community and start sharing information and different tips on business. To make it more effective, begin with inviting relatives, neighbors, friends, classmates to your network.

[Wayne Liew]

It is always about the other party. Add value and give before you take. The most common networking errors that people seem are the lack of research about someone they would like to know and they start talking about themselves instead of spending time to listen.

Instead of giving out your business card on first sight and start selling what you have to offer, I prefer listening and asking questions about them. From the conversations, you will know the problems they are facing or ideas that they have. From there, if you think that your products or services can help, start soft selling. With this, you build connections and possibly, a sale down the road.

The same can be applied to social networking on the Internet.

[JobBound]

XOLegato's advice is good.

We actually just posted an article on this subject, geared more towards in-person networking (excerpted from the JobBound Blog):

20 Tips for Navigating a Networking Event

Two out of three people get a job through networking.

Most job seekers spend the majority of their time scouring online postings and blasting their resume to job boards. Ask any hiring manager or recruiter where they find most of their candidates, and time and time again they will say through a referral or a recommendation.

Since networking is the key to getting where you want to be, you need to make sure you know the rules of the game for networking events.

Sure, you may be intimidated by the popular, evening networking event. You spend the evening at a swanky bar or restaurant, and you enter a huge room filled with people you don't know. It may seem scary, but everyone in that room is there because they want to network and talk with people just like you.

Here are a few, quick tips to ensure you have a successful networking event:

1. Do your prep work and know what type of people will be in attendance.

2. Read the news, so you can be up-to-speed on current events and potential conversation topics.

3. Make note of who the event organizers are, so you can thank them at the event. (Usually they are the most connected people in the room.)

4. Dress the part. Make note of the venue and expected attire.

5. Think of about five conversation starters or opening lines. It doesn't have to be deep - weather, sports, local news, reasons for being there, etc.

6. Arrive on time. You can meet the organizers and work a smaller crowd.

7. Focus on the people, not the food. It's difficult to shake hands and continue conversations when your hands and mouth are always full.

8. Drink in moderation. No one wants to hear you slur about your job search over your fifth glass of red vino.

9. Position yourself in a high traffic area.

10. Be assertive. "Hello, my name is..." Introduce yourself and start conversations.

11. Say something after your name to help lead the conversation. "Hi, I'm Courtney, I'm new to YPC. Are you a YPC member?"

12. Try not to talk with the same two people the whole night. Sure, it's more comfortable, but you can follow up with those two over coffee another day.

13. To keep the conversation going, focus on things you both know about - the guest speaker, the networking event, or the organization hosting the program.

14. Listen and ask questions. Remember, it's not all about you.

15. Hand out your business card to those you shared a conversation with, but don't fling them out like flyers.

16. Request a business card from those you would like to follow up with.

17. Bring a wingman if you're intimidated, just don't spend the entire evening chatting with your friend.

18. Tell the event planners thanks and that you enjoyed the event.

19. Jot down notes on the business cards to keep track of everyone you meet.

20. Follow up! After the event, get connected on LinkedIn, and send a personal email to request a meeting to continue conversations.

Remember, you simply are meeting people, making connections, and creating relationships. A quality network is priceless in your job search.

Our advice is a little more geared towards job seekers, but most of the advice is consistent for entrepreneurial endeavors as well.

[EntrepreneurCoach]

Get on Linkedin(dot)com if you are not on there already, and make a great profile for starters.

I have some tips on that topic on my website. Click on Free Business Tips in my signature and then click on Linkedin 101 Tips.