Build Your Networking Skills

The best thing for a business person to do is network!  If you own your own business, it's great for meeting "partners" that you can refer business back and forth with.  If you are unemployed, what a great way to meet a potential employer!  Regardless of your reasons for networking, make sure you have the skill set you need:

• Create a target list of contacts and goals - This list can include friends, neighbors, colleagues, vendors, salespeople and the like.  Once you have your list, set a contact goal every week such as email/call at least 5 that week with a face-to-face meeting with one person.
• Develop your elevator speech - This is a 30-second concise statement about who you are, what you're looking for and what makes you unique.
• Business card - Create one and carry with you everywhere!  You DO get points for uniqueness in this category.  No one likes a boring business card.
• Attend networking events - This might be a meeting or forum held by professional associations, alumni groups, civic groups or social organizations.  Decide who you want to meet, have your elevator speech ready, business cards in hand and make sure you dress the part!
• Use your manners - this might seem so simple, but a "please" and "thank you" go a long way.
• Networking is a 2-way street - Don't have the "me, me, me" attitude.  Networking and relationship-building work two ways.  Ask someone, "how can I help you?"
• Always be "on" - You never know who you might talk to that particular day that could be a really great opportunity for business.  Always have your business card and elevator speech handy.

One last piece of advice - don't burn bridges.  You never know when you might need that referral from your last workplace or the advice of a past colleague.