Networking for Dummies: Don't be THAT guy!

Do you ever get that feeling? You know the one. The Chamber of Commerce Breakfast is about to begin. I start fearing having to sit next to that guy. I look carefully around to see who is re-stacking their business cards. You know the guy. "Hey Bud. My name is Shawn and I work with Company X. I see you're from St. Dominic HS. Who do you guys use to buy your widgets?" Then, before you can say no thank you he is talking loudly into his cell phone about being the king of the world. I hate that guy. Why the hard sell before breakfast? I haven't even poured my orange juice and you want me to switch to your company? Don't be that guy.

A couple of tips for proper networking:

1. Good relationships get you good leads. Take the time to get to know people before you try to sell them stuff.

2. If you are at a social function, keep it social. Time and place. These two important things will make a big difference promoting your company. Do business in a business setting. Be social in a social setting. Turn off your inner sales person.

3. Turn off your cell phone. This is a common sense thing. If you are someplace to network, you do not need to be focusing on anything else. You may lose a great lead just to find out that your cousin hit a homer in last nights slow pitch softball semi-final.

4. Plug in. If you market through your local Chamber, Rotary, Kiwanis or any other organization where you meet potential clients, help do the work. Sit on a committee. Speak at a luncheon. Volunteer at the golf tournament. Plug in. Get to know people while giving back to either a service organization or Chamber of Commerce. Your connections will build relationships which will turn into leads. See #1.