10 Things Effective Networkers Know

Here are ten things truly effective networkers know and do.  

1.  They show up ready to network. It doesn't really matter if you are networking online or face to face, you have to show up.

2.  They realize the importance of being interested over being interesting. Networking isn't only about what’s in it for me, it about what I can do for you and most importantly what we can do together.

3.  They ask good questions. The reality is you don’t really get to know about people until you start asking them questions about them.

4.  They have excellent listening skills. Listening is vital to any conversation, but in networking if you aren't listening to the person to whom you are speaking, you will not be able to help them.

5.  They are interested in helping others. Without a healthy interest in the well being of others, networking will be a total waste of your time.

6.  They know that in order to receive, they have to give. There’s an old maxim in networking, "givers get". It’s fascinating to see how both your network and the universe go out of the way to make sure that those who give also get to receive.

7.  They have an excellent memory (or at the very least a solid database). If you are an active networker, you will meet lots of people. You need to keep track of who needs what and who can address those needs.

8.  They make connections. They take the time to properly introduce the folks they know to the people they need to meet.

9.  They stay visible to their network. Whether its following up with a person they just met or maintaining a regular level of communication with those they already know, they make sure their network hears from them.

10. They do what they said they would do. Good networkers know their reputation is very valuable so they treat it as such. They show up when they say they will and make the calls at the right time too.

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Terry Bean is a nationally recognized networking guru and founder of Networked, Inc. and Motor City Connect.  To learn more great networking strategies and techniques, click HERE to order Terry's new book, The Universal Guide to Business Networking, available now from HMSI Publishing in Plymouth, Michigan.