Networking During the Holidays

During the holidays, people sometimes take a break from networking. As people seem to be more relaxed during this time of the year, take advantage of these circumstances by reaching out and interacting with various individuals. I also find that it the perfect time to connect via social media. I use this opportunity to update my connections through Linkedin, but there are lots of other online resources to use. Such online networks connect you with people across the globe. I think that this is a very simple but important step to build your social networks.

Remembering Someone's Name and Faces

What is the best way to remember someones name and or their face? I did some research online and I got all sorts of tricks and tips. So I can only speak as to what works for me.

I guess I was fortunate enough for this to come more easily for me than for some. I have been working on this for many years. I started this at my first job in a bank in Indiana. I had a wonderful boss and mentor that stressed with me the importance of knowing the customer and providing the best customer service possible. Most customers visited the bank on a frequent basis. So I practiced and practiced learning as many customer's names and faces.

Having numerous networking opportunities in a week can be a little bit more of a challenge. After attending a function, I try to review the cards collected as soon as possible. This seems to help me.

When I am on the phone with a potential client, I usually write their name down on a piece of paper and have it in front of me during the conversation. I try to refer to them personally then when closing the phone call. I also find that this works great when calling one of that 800 numbers for customer service when I am the customer. By referring to that person by their first that who is helping me adds a personal touch to the conversation and get me better customer service.

Some people use the method of saying the person's name several times during that initial conversation. They insist that repetition can help to register the name in your mind so that you do not forget it.

Another commonly used method is visualization. Those that favor this method visualize in your mind the name of a new person you have just met. See the letters of the name as an image or picture.

I think the key in all of this is to keep working at it. If at first you don't succeed, try and try again.

Having a Positive Attitude When Networking

How's your attitude? A negative attitude makes people dislike being around you and drives away referrals; a positive attitude makes people want to associate and cooperate with you. When you are positive people want to be around you and will more likely send their associates to you. Positive attitudes are contagious. Being positive contributes to your determination, motivation and ultimate business success.

Being Successful at Networking

Networking takes work. You don't just show up and things happen. One very important quality in a great networker is to follow-up on referrals in a timely manner. If I present an opportunity -- whether it's a simple piece of information, a special contact or a qualified business referral -- to someone who consistently fails to follow up successfully, you can bet that I will think twice before passing on more info. Following up with what you say you're going to do, when you say you're going to do it, builds your credibility and trust with your network.