If you are like me you may be wondering what to do every time you go to a networking event to get the most out of your time, money and effort.  I have been to Meetups, Mixers, Social Networking Groups and I have always walked way asking myself what could I do differently so that when I am in a situation where I am meeting new people, I can make meaningful and long lasting relationships.  Here are some tips that may help you that have helped me.

1. Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others.

2. Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for. Some meetings are based more on learning, making contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making business connections.

3. Visit as many groups as possible that spark your interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Many groups will allow you to visit two times before joining.

4. Hold volunteer positions in organizations. This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you.

5. In networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.

6. Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them.

7. Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others.

8. Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, “How may I help you?” and no immediate answer comes to mind.

9. Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.

10. Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.

By Elizabeth Brewer

Mrs. Petzold’s 5th Grade Class

Wagon Wheel Elementary School,  Trabuco Canyon, California

Are you really asking me why my grandma rocks?  That’s like asking why and elephant has a trunk! I’ll tell you why my grandma rocks.  Ask for an outfit?  She buys it.  Want some food?  She fixes it.  Need some advice?  She tells it how it is.  So, maybe she lectures me a lot about strangers and dangers and all that good stuff, but I realize that she is not nagging me.  She is preparing me.  And in the end, when my heart shatters from break ups or make ups or grieving no-lucks, I will always have that special person full of wisdom, full of youth, and full of heart to help me out at the end of a long day.  Just talking to talk? She doesn’t mind.  She like to listen.  Very needy?  No problem, she will do whatever you want. Hard homework?  She’ll help, just sit back and listen to her every word.  What else would you want in a grandma?  I pretty much got the perfect one, and an equally awesome grandpa to go with her.  Mhm, I am so lucky.  I’m not rambling on about some wonderful fictional character of awesomeness:  I am talking about my grandma.  And yeah, that’s why she totally rocks

I received this from an associate and I want to share it with you.