Becoming a Notable Networker–Tips and Insights

If you really want to succeed at networking, take a look at the following tips and insights:

Notable Networkers are people who are skilled at networking and committed to the idea that givers gain. By helping other businesses get new clients or customers, they get new business sent their way.
The key to building a word-of-mouth-based business is mutual support, not necessarily friendship.
Organizations that network effectively provide opportunities to develop and exchange quality business referrals. Being a member of a well-organized network is like having dozens of salespeople working for you, each referring prospective clients your way.
A Notable Networker must have a positive and supportive attitude. Good networking involves providing a positive and supportive environment for other businesspeople.
A Notable Networker must have and use the right tools to network skillfully, including an informative name badge, business cards and a business card carrying case to hold others’ cards.
Networking is an acquired skill; it requires listening to CDs, reading books and articles, talking to people who network well, and practicing what you’ve learned.
Effective networking requires practice, practice, practice–and then more practice.

Is there a bullet point in this list you would like me to expand on? If so, leave a comment and let me know; I’m more than happy to oblige. 🙂

4 thoughts on “Becoming a Notable Networker–Tips and Insights”

I’d be curious to hear what you have struggled with the most in terms of networking both from a creating and sustaining relationship perspective. Moreover, what was key to overcoming these difficulties and/or do you still struggle with from time to time?

I also really liked what you said about business being mutual support and not necessarily friendship. I’ve always heard that people want to do business with people they “like, know and trust” but the “like” piece may be more from an integrity standpoint than a “let’s hang out after work” perspective is what I’m taking your point to mean. I hadn’t really thought about that! On the flip side of that equation, I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on doing business with friends or going into business with significant others.