It’s no secret, networking and face-to-face socializing is crucial to our success in life, i.e. it’s not what you know, but who you know. So having the right contacts can make all the difference when it comes to not only finding a better job, but also in finding the funding for a new business venture, or getting a JV partner or even to accomplish the more mundane chores in life.

So, it makes sense to get comfortable in your networking endeavors. You should make a point to get out and meet people every chance you get. It will not only help your business or your job prospects… but it will improve (health experts contend) your mental outlook and your health. As you move into the new year here are some actions to take that will insure your sucess in the networking arena.

Dress for Success: Your success at networking starts before you even leave the house. When getting ready to attend a social function, consider what the appropriate way to dress is. Some functions will be easy because the dress code is displayed on the invitation. But for most functions, appropriate dress is left up to personal choice. If you want people to want to talk to you consider emulating a friend that you think is successful when it comes to networking. Dress for respect… it is better to overdress than to underdress.


Make Eye Contact: Keep in mind that many people feel the same way you do. When you realize you’re all in the same boat, it makes it that much easier to cope and enjoy yourself. Always look for opportunities to make eye contact. Once you make eye contact, smile or nod your head hello. Even if you don’t strike up a conversation, it will make it that much easier if you happen to meet the same person later in the evening.


Keep Your Body Language Open: No one will approach you if you are standing alone in a corner with your arms crossed. Nor will they approach you if you are staring at the ground or have a big frown on your face. Remember, most people feel as uncomfortable with their conversational skills as you do. (They aren’t going to strike up a conversation with someone that looks like they don’t want to talk.) Rather, you should walk around the room with your arms down by your side and with a smile on your face, making eye contact as you go.

Be a Conversation Starter: People are hesitant to start conversations. Make a promise to yourself that at your next face-to-face social gathering you’ll get the conversation started by asking people what they do for a living or what brings them to the particular event. If it’s a party or wedding, ask how they know the host or hostess. Be animated and enthusiastic when conversing… it will make the interaction more fun.

It’s Not About You: The people that are perceived as the best conversationalists are in fact the best at asking questions and listening. Make a conscious point to steer the conversation back to the other person. The person you’re talking to will think you’re the best and will seek you out over-and-over again throughout the event.

Stay Current: Not hard to do in today’s media saturated world. Read the newspaper, watch news on TV, use the Internet. Remember, as a society we’re becoming much more secluded. We have fewer close friends that we see face-to-face on a regular basis. Because of this we’re losing our knack for socializing and networking, even though it’s so critical for success. Use these six steps and you’re guaranteed networking success.

Use these networking tips in all of your barter efforts for greater business success, then use the strategies of the most successful traders to build your wealth: FASTSTART

This entry was posted on Friday, December 21st, 2007 at 4:58 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.