Networking may seem daunting if you have never done it before, but there are tricks you can have up your sleeve to make it much easier. Don’t feel you have to sell, sell, sell the first time you meet someone – in fact, this will be seriously frowned upon. Business is about building relationships and the old adage of people buy from people is oh so true.
Attend networking events with the idea that you are going to meet people and look for opportunities to help others. Have a two way flow of information – as well as telling them what you can do for them, ask what they can do for you. Gather advice and information, offer contacts and advice in return. People are more likely to remember you if you gave as well as took from the situation.
