Networking Starts When
The Event Is Finished

Networking isn't what you do at a meeting; it's what happens because you were at the meeting. Here are the steps:

1: FOLLOW THROUGH IN WRITING WITH EVERYONE YOU SHOOK HANDS WITH:
A quick note or email message will help the people you met remember your name - it's easier when they read it. Remember, it's who knows you that counts.
QUICK REMINDER: Make sure your follow through message is about them, their business, not a sales pitch for yours.

2: START THE ACTION YOU SUGGESTED:
It's natural during conversation to have ideas and make suggestions. If you said "I know someone who. . ." put a call in to the person who wasn't there, suggesting a 3-way lunch. If you mentioned that you read an article, make a copy, jot a note and pop it in the mail. If you talked about a service that someone else needed, fax through a flyer with a note of endorsement.
QUICK REMINDER: One purpose of networking is to build credibility so that people will refer their clients to you. Follow through action makes you credible.

3: UPDATE YOUR DATABASE:
The most valuable networking asset is a database. Whether you keep yours in a Rolodex, on the computer, or on 5x7 colour coordinated index cards, update it after each event. I include the date and function where we met; info about children, pets, vacations, and how I followed through.
QUICK REMINDER: This is the time to add them to your newsletter list.

Networking isn't what you do when you need more business - networking is the way to insure that you have a business.

Do good. Network. Make Money
- W!

Wendy L. Kinney is a speaker who focuses on networking skills and referral based marketing systems. Her keynote Networking Aerobics: CardioVascular Activity for Your Wallet gives business owners and sales people effective skills for open networking events. For more information on how to make networking work for you, contact Kinney via phone at 404-784-0699, fax at 404-816-8685, or email at wendy@powercore.net