Networking tips for business pros, small business owners. students and job seekers

1. Making Professional
Connections
How to find referrals by making
connections
Barbara Janszen Hunter
barbara.hunter99@yahoo.com

2. Today…
• Quick overview
• Being prepared
• Making the connection
• Eight great tips
• Resources

3. What’s Networking?
• Making connections
• Staying in touch
• Reaching out
• Offering help

4. Why Network?
• Find new business
• Keep your skills fresh
• Looking for a job?
• Stay connected with
people you value

5. Be Prepared
• What’s your goal?
• Write it down
• Make it simple
• GIVE to get
• Where’s your passion?

6. Making the Connection
• Social groups, alumni, clubs, interests
• Make the most of current relationships
• Find a role model; ask for help
• Speaking engagements
• Start small: one contact a week is all we
ask
• Take it slow

7. Simple Ways to Succeed
• Be genuine
• Have something to give
• Treat everyone well
• FOLLOW UP
• Don’t be too polished
• Do your homework
• Learn to listen
• Keep track of contacts

8. Awkward Moments
• Forgotten name
• Graceful exit
• The wrong place and the wrong
time
• The stalker

9. Marketing Brand YOU
• Volunteer (for a non-profit with
board members or other volunteers
you want to meet)
• Teach at community college or
university extension
• Write blogs, Twitter, Facebook,
Linked in

10. Common Questions
• Professional rather than social contacts
• Warming up the cold call
• Avoiding phoniness
• Concern for impropriety/overreaching
• Developing a strong relationship w/
clients

11. More Questions
• How not to waste time
• What about money/attendance
penalty groups
• Getting referrals from clients/cross
marketing
• What to do after you have the biz.
card
• What to do after “thanks but no
thanks”

12. Six Great Tips
1. Stand at event’s registration
table and welcome attendees
2. Write notes on business cards
3. Attend events solo
4. Listen more than you talk
5. Timely follow up
6. Add value with a link/article in
your follow up

13. Resources
• Universities
• Business newspapers
• Event listings
• Your alma mater
• Chambers of Commerce
• Never Eat Alone, Ferrazzi
• Google it!

14. Thank You