Digging through notes from my oldYahoo account, I found this. It’s tips from a class I took nine years ago, and it is still relevant today.
- See Yourself as a resource for others.
- Seek common personal and professional interests.
- Balance the amount of time you talk and listen
- Introduce yourself to ‘people of influence’.
- Join other conversations already in progress.
- Introduce colleagues to help them increase their contacts.
- Offer and seek referral when you feel it is appropriate.
- Circulate and talk to as many people as possible.
- End your conversations on a positive note and ask for the person’s business card or way to stay in contact.
- Promptly call or send information to a contact after the event.
- Follow up periodically on all your networking contacts.
- Help others achieve their professional or personal goals and they will think of you when they or someone they know needs your skills or service.