Home> Newsletter>

 

Top 10 Tips To Effective Networking

One of the greatest benefits of membership in the ALA is the opportunity to network with your peers at events such as the monthly lunches and annual summer outing.  Below is an excerpt from Diane Darling’s book “The Networking Survival Guide”.  You may want to practice using some of these tips the next time you are able to attend a monthly lunch.

1. Handshakes: Two pumps, and let go.
   
   
2. Where to put your name badge: On the right side of your chest (the eye naturally flows up the right arm as you are shaking hands).
   
   
3. How long to talk to one person: Three to five minutes, eight minutes maximum.
   
   
4. Networking wardrobe: When in doubt, go up a notch.
   
   
5. Take a network list: A pen that you can lose, a Sharpie – to embolden your name on the name badge, breath mints, and business cards in a case.
   
   
6. What to talk about: Come prepared with three neutral questions.  For example, “Are you from the area?”
   
   
7. What not to talk about: Personal stuff, Sex, religion and politics.
   
   
8. Eating: Do not arrive hungry.  It’s difficult to juggle food with handshaking and business card exchanges.
   
   
9. Drinking: Always keep your drink in your left hand.  Otherwise your handshake will feel clammy.
   
   
10. Thank you cards: An email works in some circumstances.  Consider sending a handwritten note to make a special impression.

Excerpt from The Networking Survival Guide, published by McGraw Hill
Diane Darling
Diane@EffectiveNetworking.com
Phone: 888-907-0900
Effective Networking, Inc.
 For more information you can visit http://www.effectivenetworking.com/Follow_Up.html