Networking Quick Tips

Rule of Fives

• Arrive within 5 minutes of start time
• Leave within 5 minutes of end time
• Set a goal to meet 5 new people
• Plan to follow-up with 5 new people
• Follow-up with 5 new people within 5 days

Meeting New People

• Acknowledgement (say, "hello'), and
• Closure (end with a closing statement, "It was nice to meet you. May I have your business card?")
• A handshake;
• A smile; and,
• Eye contact

The Handshake

• Take control of the situation by initiating the handshake
• Shake hands firmly, no weak or wet handshakes, no iron grips
• No gender differences, women can and should initiate a handshake
• Lefty's Rule - stick your hand out first if you shake hands using your left hand

Making Small Talk

• Wait your turn until there is a pause in the conversation
• Ask questions
• Practice active listening (nodding your head, good eye contact, hearing what the person is saying)
• Use positive body language
• Enjoy talking about anything, except:
  • Religion
  • Sex
  • Personal Affairs
  • Money
  • Politics
  • Curse words

Remember Names

• REPEAT the name immediately
• REPEAT the name during the conversation
• REPEAT the name at closing

Name Tags

• Place high on the right near lapel

Holding Beverage & Shaking Hands

• Carry your beverage in your left hand so that your right hand is free and dry for shaking hands

Hors d'oeuvres

• Carry a small plate of food or a drink, but not both at the same time

Food Problems at a Reception

• Select foods that are easy to eat, small bite sized foods are best
• Avoid anything with sauce, such as meatballs
• Avoid any meat on a bone, such as chicken wings
• Don't try to eat the shrimp that remains in the tail
• If something is stuck in your teeth, excuse yourself to the rest room and remove it
• If someone else has something stuck in their teeth, let them know in a polite manner

Following Up with New People

• Follow up phone call
• Email (use spell check and proper grammar)
• Invite the person to an event
• Invite the person to lunch or coffee/tea break
• Set up a phone appointment
• Treat all people as people and not as contacts

 Last Updated On: 8/16/07