Human Resources
Advice on Business Networking Skills
Jun 25, 2012
At Extra Help we pride ourselves on constantly working (and networking) to fill our pipeline with people and organizations we can have a mutually beneficial relationships. We have been very fortunate to be acknowledged by the media for our business success and our President/Owner, Teresa Katubig, has personally been recognized for many of her efforts in the business community.
How many times have you gotten back to the office with a handful of business cards that are not useful to you? If this has happened to you more than once you should probably rethink your business networking strategy. Here are some of the questions I ask myself when I sit down with the St. Louis Business Journal Events page.
Where should I network?
I want to be where the people in my target market are. It is always great to have a plan. Whether I am looking for a group of CPAs, lawyers, or manufacturing/industrial professionals I want to find business networking events where those specific markets will be represented.
How am I going to work this room of complete strangers?
First of all, no one is a stranger. Everyone in the room you are networking with is there with the same goal: to meet potential business partners. Upon your arrival, canvas the room. Who is at this event? Is there anyone I want/need to meet? How am I going to get myself in front of them? You should always have a strategy when you are going to any networking event regardless of its size. Develop a plan and follow through with it. Use the phrase “work smart, not hard” philosophy while networking.
At the end of the day networking isn’t really WORK. Networking is about creating, building, and maintaining relationships with like-minded individuals who can not only help you, but who you can help in return. This is essential to keep in mind when you are honing your business networking skills.
I truly enjoy that networking is such a huge part of what we do to grow our business at Extra Help and I look forward to networking with you soon!
Where should we meet?
