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Every person you meet...even on
the street, in passing...is a potential opportunity for you!
One person actually got a V.P. position at a major company from a
conversation in an airport restroom, of all places. You just
never know......
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Don't wait for someone else to
approach you. Make the first step, even if it is the hardest
thing you've ever done.
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Always carry business
cards. The biggest advantage to help you as an individual if
you want to get on in your career is to get yourself a business
card. It should say who you are and what you do.
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Be aware of your body
language. Carry the card in your left hand, shake with your
right and tell the person what you do as you hand it to
them. Then ask for their card.
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Don't trust your memory.
Make sure you keep a note on the back of the cards you save to say
where you met them - the event and the date.
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Don't forget to follow up every
meeting. The most important part of networking is to follow
through. When you meet people at networking functions, it is not a
good time to do business, so give them a call later.
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Look at those business cards
very carefully because you might just find the very person you
have been looking for to help you in your career and if you can
remember where you met them, that can be very empowering.
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When you pass someone in the
hallway, do you stare at the floor or do you say "HI"
and make eye contact as you do?
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When you meet people, do
remember their name? When someone introduces themselves, be
sure to repeat their name back to them and then use their name
often in your initially converse with them.
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Do you meet with others in your
line of work or in the profession that you seek? You can
join organizations or just hang out in the right places.
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Be a helpful person. Look
for chances to assist others. You will learn a lot and
will develop stronger bonds with them.
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Let others know
(confidentially) that you are "in the market" for a new
opportunity.
