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If you're serious about making more contacts and establishing better relationships, business networking will undoubtedly be part of your "fight plan."
That means networking events, chambers, business meetings, conferences, mixers, clubs, groups, meet-ups, and even online communities will be a part of your networking campaign.
(Related: 5 More Great Habits to Grow Your Business)
Here are five business networking musts that you must embrace to get the most bang out of your networking buck.
1. You must know your "specific" purpose.
Why are you there? Are you looking to attract more business? Land a job? Learn about an industry or profession? This may seem obvious, but how about the specifics? As in your Specific Purpose? Knowing your Specific Purpose is the first step to determining where you need to go, what you need to say, and with whom. What industry, profession, market segment, niche, dynamic, demographic, and geography are you targeting? Just saying you're looking for more customers or clients isn't enough information to be meaningful. Be specific. The devil is in the details!
2. You must communicate powerfully.
Be prepared with conversation starters and great opening questions. Have your elevator speech prepared so you can speak intelligently about your work and specifically what you want. (There's the specifics thing again.) When meeting others, be genuinely interested in learning about other people with a willingness to help them achieve their purpose. When you listen to others, it's more likely they'll listen to you. That's communication! Be clear on next steps – if there are next steps. Tip – make the next step yours!
