The Top 10 Networking Strategies to Get a Job, a Promotion, or Make a Sale

Whether you’re networking to find a new job opportunity, get a promotion, or close a sale, you have two main goals with networking:

1. Be remembered so that when opportunities come along, people think of you as the perfect person to handle things,

2. To be referred to others who can give you insight into these opportunities.

Your overall goal, of course, is to get a job, make a sale, or get more business, but it’s these two steps that lead truly effective networkers to the jobs, careers, and opportunities they want. What effective networkers understand is that they don’t need to ask for anything more than advice and it is this advice that they use to get remembered and referred.

The following are ten tips on the best way to achieve these two goals.

1. Act like a “resource person” and not a “dirty job, promotion, or panhandler.” This means showing the other person the benefits that you or your product or service bring. Be careful not to create the first impression that you are begging for the job or the sale.

2. Improve your self-confidence. Do this by learning as much as you can about yourself, your products, and your services. Also, learn as much as you can about the people you seek advice from. Preparation is the key to confidence.

3. Make sure you’re meeting the right people, in the right place, at the right time.

4. Remember that you are looking for advice and information, not a job or a sale. It is the information you collect that will lead you to the job offer(s) or sales you want to achieve.

5. Be sure to budget your time effectively. Have a plan and strategy for your networking activities.

6. Listen and avoid talking. Lead the discussion by asking key questions and let the person share information. This is your time that you are taking. Show them courtesy and respect by listening.

7. Constantly expand your network, but keep it alive at all times (see follow up below).

8. Lower your risks to alleviate fear. This is best accomplished by being prepared.

9. To get the most out of your networking interactions, be sure to follow this formula:

A. Prepare before networking

1) Define your objectives for the interaction

2) Gather information about the individual and what it is about.

3) Know the cutoff point: If you tell a person they only need 5 minutes, just take 5 minutes

4) Prepare 3 key questions to ask

5) Reflect on how you could be useful

6) Research the person’s company

B. During the network interaction

1) First 30 seconds

— Differentiate yourself

— Get the hook, win your interest

— Introduce yourself slowly (provide your name plus relevant information about yourself that is of interest to the other party)

— Find common ground, establish a bond

— Make sure they know who you are

– Make them the center of attention.

— Show sincere interest in what they have to say

2) During the “body” of the network interaction

— Adopt an enthusiastic attitude

— Ask relevant and thought-provoking questions

— Stay interested in them and what they are saying.

— Listen actively while they speak.

— Repeat key information they can say

— Take notes (if applicable)

3) Last 2 minutes of the networking interaction

— Create a “memory anchor,” something that will trigger the other person’s memory when you contact them again.

— Exchange contact information

–Write some notes

— Memorize your name with your face

— With the other person’s permission, arrange a follow-up meeting if necessary or appropriate

— Thank you for your time

— Summarize key points

10. Follow-up after the interview

A. Be prepared to reciprocate, that is, help the other person if possible.

B. Follow up on all the promises/commitments you made

C. As soon as possible after the interview, write down the key points of the discussion.

D. Leave or send a thank you package. In no more than 48 hours, follow up with a written thank you note and/or letter. Weave in the personal points of interest that the person expressed in the thank you note. For example: “You mentioned in our conversation that your daughter Sarah is thinking of majoring in marketing when she attends college this fall. If I can give you any advice on how to best leverage your academic experience within a marketing program, I’d be glad to.” do it, just let me know.”

E. Stay in touch with the person. A few weeks later, find an article or other tangible item related to this topic and send it to the person, with an update on how they’re doing and that you’re still willing to help the person or their colleagues.)