"I have to Network - OMG!"

A life time of networking.....OMG!!!

I hardly ever hear any clients say "I can hardly wait to start networking.....it's so great and I'm really good at it!" In fact, never have I had a client say that! I'm talking about face-to-face networking...the kind where you have to make eye contact and conversation....usually in a room full of people you don't know, wearing a name tag that keeps falling off, trying to figure out what you did to deserve this torture....THAT kind of networking. Here are some trail tips to help you get started:

Decide before you attend an event what your goal is -

1. mingling and drinking


2. hanging out where everyone's eating


3. meeting as many people as you can


4. make three quality contacts

Decide what a quality contact is-

1. a very "connected" person


2. a person who is willing to make introductions for you


3. the first person who talks to you at an event


4. the best dressed person at the event

Topics to talk about-

1. what you want from them i.e leads


2. what they want from you i.e. leads


3. what you have in common


4. how you can help them

How do you introduce yourself?

1. "Hi, my name is Jan Marino and I'm was a CFO. I'm in transition and I'm looking for a new opportunity.


2. "Hi, I'm Jan Marino. I'm an executive in transition.


3. "Hi, I'm Jan Marino. I'm a CFO with successes in taxation, risk management and strategic planning.
   

What networking events will you attend?

1. as many as I can


2. the one nearest my house


3. an event suggested by someone I know and trust


4. the event that best fits my networking goals and strategy

Here's a few more tips from clients who are very successful networkers:

1. Enlist the help of an accountability partner
2. Practice at events when you first start
3. Be persistent and keep asking for feedback so you can improve
4. Remember to breathe
5. Write down and post what works best for you
   

Remember, networking is the ultimate contact game!