Business networking in person can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you tend to shy away from public speaking or group gatherings. However, it is a necessary part of growing your business, so try these four tips next time you attend a business networking event.

Be Prepared

Prepare an elevator pitch before you attend the business networking party. An elevator pitch is basically a 30-second mini-commercial that describes your business. If you prepare one ahead of time, you will avoid stuttering or stammering when it is time to do it for real.

Avoid Alcohol

Some business networking events have wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages available. Try to avoid drinking alcohol during one of these events. Even if you only have one drink, it can cause an odor on you that may make people think you had several drinks. It can also impair your judgment and ruin your chances of making meaningful contacts.

Bring Business Cards

You do not want to write your phone number down on the back of an event program, so make sure you have your business cards available. One trick to try is to have the link to your professional networking profile printed on the back of your card. If you have a profile at a site like Schmoozii or LinkedIn, have the link included on your card so people have one more way to get in touch with you.

Follow Up

Collecting business cards does not help you if you never follow up on them. Take the time to call or send a letter to every person you met during the business networking event. Do not hit them with a heavy sales pitch. Simply let them know it was nice to meet them and that you are available for future projects.

Do you ever wonder why kids of affluent families get into the best firms and land on the best jobs right after graduation? It's because their parents have mastered the art of networking. However, you don't have to be a parent or a businessman to build a network because honestly, networking is for everyone. So how do they do it?

First of all you've got to do your homework. If you want to meet someone, make sure that you at least know something about the person. Have you ever tried to Google someone? According to studies, on the average, an individual looks up at least 13 people in Google every month. It would also help if you read about the person you want to meet. Read magazines or books about the industry they belong to. By knowing some bits of information before meeting them, you are actually doing more than connecting. In fact, it becomes an excellent opportunity to bond and impress them.

Your name also plays an important role in networking. A name is actually one of the things that people should remember about you. So how would they remember your name? One way to do it is by having your own domain name. For example, Microsoft has its own domain name. So if you look it up online, only one site pops up with Microsoft. Thus, having a unique and memorable name is an excellent way of making people remember you and of course, easier for them to find you online.

According to Mitch Albom, author of the bestselling novel Tuesdays with Morrie, "Build a little community of those you love and who love you." However, you have to build your network before you need it. It's annoying when people you haven't heard of in years calling you to sell or ask for something like a job. The myth about reaching out to others only when you need something is a big trap that we must avoid. Those people with the largest networks of friends and contacts know that it is wise to reach out to others before you even need anything at all. There are a lot of opportunities out there that would help you build your circle of contacts. It may be as simple as talking to someone in the PTA meeting or when you're in line in the grocery checkout. You will never know when you will need them but it's important that you get to know them even if you don't need anything from them.

There are people who were born to connect with other people without a sweat and there are people who have difficulties in doing the same. But what can we learn from the spontaneous and audacious? If you are not that kind of person, then your best arm is to prepare. It means knowing beforehand what to say. You just don't talk; you have to say how you benefit people and how you make them feel. The goal is to convey your image in a positive and worth-remembering way. Skip the jargon. It will not impress people and might just cause confusion. Just keep it simple yet definitive.

Finally, knowing who you want to know is one of the keys in creating a good network. Identify the people who can help you get there. It wouldn't hurt to reach out to authors as they are very knowledgeable. Reach out to the people who have the same profile as you and find out what they did and what helped them to become successful. You may also want to talk to someone whom you aspire to be like. You are making this connection to learn from others and to create a meaningful relationship at the same time. Remember that people crave to be appreciated and showing sincere interest about the person and what they do is a way of showing appreciation.

The truth about networking is those who are good at it don't just reach out to people; they create meaningful and lasting friendships. They know that success can be measured by relationships. So when do you start creating an enriching circle of trust? Today is a good day to start.

If you're in business for yourself, you must master the art of self-promotion. Every opportunity you get to explain what you do is an opportunity to earn new business. If you are self-employed or an independent contractor, you might already be familiar with the concept of having an elevator pitch, which is a short, 15 second explanation of what you do, how you do it and for whom.
Ergo, it's an explanation that can be delivered in the same amount of time that it takes to ride an elevator.

Often times, when people ask you what you do, you might feel compelled to give a one word response: Doctor, Teacher, Realtor, Musician, etc. If you're giving a one word response, naturally people may ask follow-up questions: what is your practice; what grade do you teach; where do you sell houses; or what instrument do you play, etc. The problem with giving a one word response is not with being asked to further explain yourself, in fact, asking questions is a great way to build a relationship. It's the amount of time it takes to respond. If you're in an actual elevator, you're likely to leave your new prospect or networking friend hanging.

The second misfortune that comes with a one word response is allowing your prospect to group you with other business professionals i.e. you're just another doctor, another teacher. Don't allow people to assume what you do. Tell them by developing an elevator pitch that can delivered to anyone, even your mom.

Start with the three questions above:

1. What do you do?
2. For Whom
3. Most importantly, what do they get out of it?

Or you can fill in the blanks: I help (Who) _________________________________ (do what?)________________________(so that they can) ________________________________.

Let's take the example of a teacher. They're not independent contractors in all cases, but let's assume we have an elementary school teacher at a party with bankers. He or she might say something like this: I manage and instruct twenty four 10-year olds in Literacy and Math for ABC school so that they can one day become productive members of society. Ok, so maybe this is a little bit over the top, but it's at least a start and a better description than a one word response.

In some cases, you have to give a one word response; in which case, you should label yourself with specific details i.e. I am an emergency room physician; I am a residential real estate agent; I am a lounge, bass guitarist.

Networking is a hot topic. It's common to hear that the majority of jobs are won through some form of networking. So, if you plan on getting another job in your lifetime then learning about networking is a wise choice!

If you are wondering where in the world to start learning how to network or if you are apprehensive to network because it's new for you or you have had a negative networking experience from the past, this article is for you. Here are three must-haves that are easy and powerful ways to quickly get started networking AND quickly reap the benefits of your valuable contacts!

#1: Focus on Them
When you are talking with someone you are meeting for the FIRST time, you must keep your focus on them. In other words, this is not the time to introduce what you need but rather to ask them a few questions about them. Interestingly, you will make a far greater impression on someone when you keep the focus on them versus on yourself!

If you are one of those professionals who really get stage fright before a networking opportunity such as a mixer, then a great tip for you is to write down 5 questions you feel comfortable asking. This will boost your confidence and help you avoid that feeling of being tongue tied.

#2: Reciprocity
Networking is more about what you can do for someone else then what they can do for you. In other words, if you put the focus on helping others, not only does it take pressure off you but it creates a positive exchange between you and your network.

Whether you are sending a key decision maker of a company you want to work for a positive article about their company, passing on a valuable bit of mentoring to a junior executive or referring one of your top vendors to another company - the more you get in the habit of helping others in these small ways the more you network will extend their help to you exponentially.

#3: Don't Play the End Result
Maybe you are wondering with all this gifting you are doing just when you are going to get to network?! That's understandable. The answer is you definitely will have multiple opportunities to network in order to take action towards your goals.

When you approach your network for information it's important to be polite, gracious and clear about what you want. But don't play the end result. Meaning when you follow up with a key decision maker after sending in your resume, when you connect with an executive to ask for a short mentoring meeting or when you query your friends about who they might know in your industry of interest, it's critical that your only expectation at that moment is the opportunity to pose the question.

Your success rides more on how many people you network with and how you ask someone for something than the actual response you get. Some contacts will be able to help you and some won't. Knowing this, you can relax and keep your expectations in check. The person on the receiving end will certainly pick up on this intuitively and respond in kind.

These three networking techniques are used by many of the top networkers around. They are easy to use and will provide you an abundance of positive results!

Do you attend networking events with the expectation that you will leave with new business? I hope not, because the event is simply step two. You should have a plan developed that will take you from step one all the way through to the bank. Networking is like any other marketing strategy that you may use to drive prospects to your pipeline. For the strategy to work you must have a system to follow that will allow you to measure your results and improve as you find opportunities.

No, I did not make a typo when I stated the event is step two. Step one is preparing your dialogue for the event. That dialogue begins with a great introduction of yourself and your business. Your intro must help the prospect immediately identify how they or someone they know could benefit from doing business with you. You must also be prepared with conversation generators (statements and questions) that you would be comfortable saying to the new people you approach at meetings and events. Prepare and practice in advance. There is an acronym that can help you with this: F.O.R.D. create your questions about their Family, Occupation, Recreation and Dreams. Build your conversation starters around these areas of their lives and you will have them talking in no time. Which by the way is your objective, you must learn as much as you can about them. This is not the time to blah, blah, blah about your business.

Step two is attending the event. Pretend you are the host at the event and these are your guests. That intention will help you to remain focused on learning about your guests. Remembering as much as possible from each conversation will pay off tenfold when you follow up. When appropriate make notes for yourself.

Step three is following through with what I call a "Quick Six". If you touch people six times within a two week period they will remember you. Being remembered is a big benefit for your business. What is a quick six? It is part of your system. Here is an example of how the six touches may go.

1. They met you at the event.
2. The next day they receive an email: I enjoyed meeting you.
3. Two days later they receive a quick note with some piece of information that is relevant to your conversation with them. (Demonstrate you were listening)
4. Day 5 you call and schedule a time to meet. Coffee, lunch or even to share your presentation if they had previously expressed an interest.
5. Sometime during week two you meet. Ask how you can support them in their business. And this is the appropriate time to ask for their business or for an opportunity to do a presentation.
6. Send a thank you for meeting with you.

Step three is actually step three - seven. If you follow a system similar to this you will capture more business from your networking events.

Step eight is adding them to your follow up system. Remember NO is only not today. Statistically most sales take 10 to 12 touches and we have only completed seven. A great follow up system will result in a higher percentage of closed sales.

The bottom-line do not go to networking events expecting to walk away with new business. You must earn that business. Put a system in place to give yourself a higher percentage of return on investment of time.

Networking can mean many things to many professionals depending on the nature of the networking. It can equate to giving and expecting nothing in return. Etiquette and manners are useful tools for networking for success. Professionals can build great business relationships, expand their networks and help their business grow by referring others rather than themselves. An effective means for offering referrals is through emails. Emails are a subtle form of communication that allows the recipient to respond during any time of the day and give the proper and accurate information and resources to their business counterparts. As the middle man, you can properly introduce friends and colleagues and build your clientele/referral base.

Listed below are some important tips to consider when making business or personal contacts.

Spell Check

When a professional has agreed to introduce two or more colleagues for business or social purposes, the business professional should draft a concise and meaningful message and proof-read. Grammar should be correct and all names of persons should be spelled properly. This can build your credibility and show that you pay attention to detail as well as respect others.

Background Info.

The person making the introduction should set the stage for how all parties know of each other. Be specific and give details about personal and professional associations so that everyone can feel comfortable with each other. Another good idea is to include educational backgrounds or professional and social interests of your business counterparts. This information can be helpful for future reference or later business and social opportunities.

Company Info.

The professional should then describe the business, company or organization of each person. They should make sure to provide the most useful information for making the right connection for business success. New initiatives, new products, training programs, latest technologies which can be of interest to their business counterpart should be highlighted in the email message. Your business counterparts should be able to identify the significance of working and collaborating together for profit or growth.

Sealing the Deal

After the introduction via email has been made, the professional should encourage both parties to connect or reach out to one another. The professional should provide the proper and appropriate contact info for all parties as well as their own information. Also encourage both parties to follow up and ask for assistance when needed.

Networking makes the world go round. Networking makes the world a smaller place. Networking keeps us all connected. Professionals and students alike can relate to these networking cliches and have experienced them at one point. Whether at a business meeting, networking event or follow up, professionals have probably encountered a reoccurring event, thought or experience. "Deja-Vu" is actually a French phrase which literally means: 'already seen'. It relates to events and physical, mental and emotional situations that have taken place in the past. In this case, deja vu in regards to networking relates to a contact or person that you were already met, or a method or process that you already tried, or a service or product that you already bought, or a venue or group that you already visited. How can professionals learn from these type of situations without getting frustrated or discouraged? How can professionals, students or networkers break the cycle and use this to their advantage?

At a meeting or social event, a colleague may recommend a contact that can help grow your business. Unfortunately, you are familiar with this contact and did not find the relationship profitable. Instead of dismissing the situation, you should try and re-visit it. Follow up with the contact and try to facilitate business from a different angle. Approach the situation a fresh and find a new way to connect or do business. Send the contact concise and accurate information about yourself, your business or your products and services. Give them an opportunity to review the material before setting up an appointment to do business. Enlarge the circle and include other colleagues or business contacts in your meeting. They may be able to strengthen the business initiatives and provide insight that may have been missed in the initial meeting.

The same process can be used for products or services that you have used in the past. Take time to evaluate why the product or service was not beneficial. Try and find ways to incorporate it into your business model or create a new purpose for that service or product. If the service or product is not valuable to you, consider it for friends, colleagues or clients. Professional can even be creative and offer it as a package along with their services if that is applicable. The important part of this process to creatively find a way to use the product or service to expand and build your business.

If a colleague or business counterpart recommends a club or association that you have already visited and you did not find a good connection, try and revisit the club or association. Many times clubs, associations and groups will go through a transition or re-phasing process with their organizational management, policies or initiatives. Groups are constantly re-inventing themselves to stay current with trends, technologies and business practices. Also, re-visiting the club or organization will give you an opportunity to meet and connect with new members whom you did not meet in the past.

Networking has almost no limits or boundaries. It is becoming popular on the internet and can be done any time, any place and with anyone. Several key connections for successful networking includes sharing common ground and common interests for developing good business relationships. But networking is not just restricted to the borders of your city, state or country. Professionals and students are broadening their horizons and networking overseas to gain international exposure and reach un-tapped markets and clientele.

Listed below are tips that can help entrepreneurs, business professionals and students network on a global playing field.

International Correspondent

Business entrepreneur can benefit greatly from targeting their interests to the global market place. The exposure can create a favorable international business presence for any industry. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to use their skills and services to reach the global community in their networking endeavors. They can offer to link up with industry publications for advertising or writing purposes. Entrepreneurs might find it easier to offer their services abroad to increase their international clientele and promote foreign business development. They can also establish themselves as experts among their foreign counterparts by contributing literary and industry work to notable foreign publications such as magazines, internet business sites, blogs, journals, etc. Entrepreneurs can serve as international liaisons on foreign matters and give advice and experience that can be very useful to their foreign audiences. This can also open the doors to various forms of consulting and training for getting new clients and customers.

Satellite Offices

For those business professionals who work for large international companies, traveling abroad or working in a foreign country can be an excellent way to network and build your international brand. Offer ideas for new projects or initiatives that will allow you to your work abroad. Draft up proposals and form groups that will support your interest and bring awareness to your foreign agenda. Professionals can create a budget and find ways to fundraise or gain sponsorship to show commitment and sincerity to their cause and goals. Professionals should also stress the importance of globalization, cultural awareness and sensitivity as well as diversity when campaigning their cause.

Study Abroad

Students can also network in the global community by spending a semester or a year abroad. Learning in a foreign country looks very impressive on your resume and shows that you can adapt to the changing global lifestyles. Employers are especially impressed with these type of activities which help facilitate personal and professional development. Students should also consider learning a foreign language. This is a great way to enhance verbal communication as well as encourage an appreciation for different cultures and languages. While learning abroad, students can connect with foreign professors and other international students from various academic institutions.

Networking is such a priceless tool for business professionals. It is a means of creating wealth, awareness and professional development that can be used over a lifetime. The economy, changing trends and advances in technology can leave some professionals going through a career transition. During this unpredictable time, professionals may find networking difficult and harder to achieve their networking goals. How can professional feel stable during a career transition while networking? How can professionals gain contacts and referrals for future business while in that transition? How can professionals remain confident and and positive while networking and developing business relationships?

Listed below are helpful tips that professionals can use to navigate their way successfully through a transition which could result in professional and social advancement.

Lean on Your Skills

At networking events, professionals usually give a 30-second speech which briefly describes their profession, company and services. But for professionals that are in transition, they may not have a company to promote or services and products. In this case, the professional should promote themselves. They should talk about their skills and abilities and business strengths. They should focus on their professional background as it relates to their future endeavors. They should also invite questions or comments on how they can improve their transitional processes. Your business counterpart can greatly benefit from knowing this information and can easily refer you to colleagues and friends for business opportunities.

Carry Business Cards

Although professionals are in the transition process and do not have a company to represent, they are in a position to build and promote their brand. Professionals are encouraged to have business cards printed that allow others to get in contact with them. Your cards should include your name, degree/school, personal website, professional affiliations, address, contact number and email address. This will indicate that you are professional, focused and always ready for business. All business cards should be carried in a separate business card holder. And a proper business card exchange is with the right hand with the card face up.

Back to the Future

While building relationships with your counterparts, find ways to connect with them for future business and unique opportunities. For example, ask your business counterpart if they can introduce you to colleagues and friends that hold your same interest. Ask if they can invite you to similar industry networking events. Give them a clear understanding of your goals for the future and where you see your career in the next few months or year. Brainstorm with them opportunities that will allow you to use your skills and abilities. Also inquire about contacts in business or industries that you would like to be involved in or consider future employment.

Professionals, students and entrepreneurs can greatly benefit from networking and should view it as a lifestyle of development and progress. Networking can save precious time and money and improve the way you facilitate business. But attending networking events, trying to make the right contacts and following up for future business can be tiresome. Networking requires a lot of focus, time and attention to achieve the desired goals and objectives. It can also require a lot of money and commitment depending on your networking endeavors. How can professionals, students and entrepreneurs find a good and healthy balance while networking? How can they find effective alternatives to attending events while networking for future success?

Listed below are great tips on how professionals, students and entrepreneurs can network consistently with less stress and conflict for future business and academic success!

Choose Wisely

Many people suffer from networking burn out because they tend to over stretch themselves and want to attend every single networking event. It is good to network in moderation and find ways of cross networking to fill two or three or more needs at one time. Choose events that are close to your home or work. Choose events where you will meet a good amount of people that you do not already know. Choose events that fit into your schedule and will not inconvenience you. Choose events that allow you to meet people in your industry or profession that will be good contacts and not necessarily customers or clients. Choose events which allow you to take in a meal, such as a breakfast, lunch or dinner. In this regard, you do not have to schedule extra time to eat or prepare a meal.

Network via the Phone

Meeting face to face is always ideal and has a stronger impact when building relationships. But in many situations, due to time constraints and other business factors, facilitating phone conferences is a more time and money efficient solution. Professionals can still conduct viable business deals and associations over the phone. Scheduling phone meetings can be another alternative that can be beneficial to both business parties. Before the phone conference, professionals should have an agenda in place for the meeting. They should also do their research and be armed with important questions, comments or statements to make sure that the phone meeting is productive. They should also schedule a follow up meeting either by phone or face to face.

Business women, especially entrepreneurs, have such an advantage when it comes to networking, making new contacts and business development. Women have such a gift for communicating with others, multi-tasking and paying attention to detail in regards to business. Women can use their personal and professional skills to win new clients and retain loyalty from past clients. How can women entrepreneurs use networking to build their business? How can women entrepreneurs use every day skills and abilities to build their businesses and gain profits?

Listed below are key tips that can help business women and entrepreneurs create monthly or quarterly networking events.

Women know women that know women that in turn know women. Women professionals are encouraged to make a list of friends, family and colleagues in their area. They can ask their friends to do the same and combine lists. There will not be a shadow of a doubt that the lists will project well over 100 contacts. This is a great database for building and maintaining your clientele, informing people about your company updates and bringing awareness to new products and services.

Besides providing useful information, this new database can serve as a list of attendees for monthly or quarterly networking events. Brainstorm with your colleagues and select fun and interesting events that would be good for your database of friends, family and colleagues. Seek out outside support and sponsorship for the events and partner with bigger companies within your city. Also offer incentives such as door prizes at the events, discounted services and products to appeal to the attendees of the events.

These types of events promote women to network, build relationships and showcase their businesses. It keeps them focus on new and leading trends and allows them to develop their business for professional success. These women have an opportunity to meet new business counterparts and get exposed to their networks. The cross exchange of information, resources and contacts can be extremely beneficial from both business parties.

During these events, women should be encouraged to bring materials about their company, products and services for distribution. Organizers of the event should collect business cards to follow up and stay in contact with the attendees of the event. And, organizers should also try and link women together with similar businesses and interest to facilitate strong partnerships and associations. These types of activities can strengthen the goals and mission of the networking events and increase more participation and publicity.

Have you ever wanted to start a conversation with people to promote your business to see if they have an interest? But you were too shy or you didn't know how to start a conversation with them so it could lead to where you wanted it to go? Have you moved to a new area and wanted to start meeting people in that town or city? Networking is my strong suit. I am very comfortable going out and about in my day and starting conversations all over. If that is something that's very difficult and uncomfortable for you and you would like to learn how to overcome that fear, here's a way to start.

Take it one step at a time. We will start with the very basics.

Step 1: Just get comfortable saying hello to people using eye contact. Pay attention to this. A lot of people have trouble with eye contact. Yes, this is basic, but for some a necessary step. Do that with people over and over until you feel comfortable enough to go to the next step - however long it takes.

Step 2: After you can say hello with good eye contact and enjoy it, find something you genuinely like about someone you run into - personally (personality) or something you like about what they are wearing. E.g., I love your earrings; or you have a great personality - you are so much fun to talk to; or I really like your shirt or whatever it is you see or experience about them that you like. BE GENUINE. People can never hear enough compliments. If nothing else, you probably made their day a little brighter. That's always a great thing to pass on in the world! Another conversation starter is to bring something up that's in the environment around you. For instance, if you like the colors on the wall in a store - say hey isn't that a unique color; or even the weather - it sure is a nice day out today; or it's warm in here; or this is such a great store. It doesn't have to be anything profound, just enough to start a conversation. See where the conversation goes. Do this until you are comfortable talking and feel you would like to talk more with people. By the way, I don't just talk to anyone. They have to have some life force (a personality). If they are grumpy or not attentive, I don't start a conversation with them. I am definitely pleasant, but they aren't someone that I necessarily want to have a conversation with or want to get to know more. I like being around positive upbeat people.

Step 3: Now that you are comfortable saying a few words, the next time you can make it a longer conversation. Again, I think it is so important to tell people what you admire about them. I can't stress that enough! Compliments aren't said enough in our society. You can make such a difference in someone's day.

Here are some sample conversation starters (again - they can be very simple):

* How is your day going?
* What a great day outside, isn't it?
* It's nice to see someone so happy (or chipper today)
* What if you are out walking and someone is walking their dog - comment on their dog - what kind of dog is that?
* Anything like that can spark a conversation.

Say you are out shopping or in a restaurant:

* How long have you worked here?
* Do you work here full time or part time?
* What do you like about it?
* Have you ever thought about doing anything else?

Of course this is a back and forth conversation. You wouldn't just shoot off all these questions. You will be amazed how easy it is to talk with people, how receptive they are and what kind of information you can find out about someone. People love to talk about themselves! Be a good listener, but don't necessarily let them talk your ear off either (that happens sometimes). You should be talking 20% of the time and they talk 80% of the time. People don't get heard enough. They enjoy talking to someone who is genuinely interested in them. Listening and hearing is not a skill most of us learn. I can't tell you how much I run into this when I'm out. It is very rare for me to talk to someone who really listens. Be outstanding! Be that person who listens. Most of all be yourself - be authentic.

If the conversation leads to them not liking what they do or looking for something else, this is when you can tell them about what you're doing for extra income or a career if you are expanding. I don't know how you approach people, but this could be a whole training right there.