One of the keys to having a successful networking experience at events and meetings is to arrive on time. Although, it would be ideal to arrive early, arriving on time gives networkers a chance to take advantage of unique networking opportunities and meet people before the big crowd rush. But as a business professional, do you find yourself always running late to networking events and meetings? Do you always enter the room after the speaker or presentation is done? Do you find yourself standing up at the back of the room and never meeting the right people? Do you feel like events are not as beneficial as they could be?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, then time is a factor and critical issue that is affecting your networking endeavors. Learning to have better time management skills and being properly organized for networking events can improve your networking results greatly. Listed below are helpful tips that professionals, entrepreneurs and students can use to get the most of their networking experiences.

State of Mind

Before you attend another networking event, take some time to develop your ideas and mental capacity for the future event. Whether it is meditating, brainstorming or visualizing a successful event, take some quality to focus on the event. Decide what you want to accomplish from attending the event. Focus on the type of people you would like to meet and how that will impact your business, business relations or social status. Develop positive thoughts towards networking and achievable goals in your networking pursuits.

Networking Buddy

It could be possible that you may need some accountability or extra help in your networking endeavors. Professionals that battle with networking obstacles should consider a having a networking buddy or networking mentor. This is someone whom they can attend events with who are associated with their company, industry, profession or social sphere of influence. It is a motivating piece that can get you on track and improve your networking progress. Keeping connected with a networking buddy can also improve your networking outcomes and allow you to set higher goals and objectives for your networking endeavors.

Proper Preparation

In order to stay focused and prepared for networking events, this may involve professionals taking time to properly prepare. We encourage individuals to be conscious of the time, location and date of their networking events. Call or email ahead of time to confirm practical and useful information about networking events and ask to be updated on last minute changes. Also be aware of construction, traffic delays, increment weather and other issues that may cause you to be late for events and meetings.

Chi Chi Okezie is owner/producer of SIMPLEnetworking, LLC in Metro-Atlanta, GA. Newly published author of "SIMPLEnetworking: Creating Opportunities ... The new form of success!" View excerpts of the book and polish your professional approach: http://www.snseminars.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chi_Chi_Okezie

Business professionals, students, entrepreneurs and savvy networkers know the importance of making a good first impression. Whether you are interviewing for a job position, meeting the top directors of your company, making a formal presentation for clients or doing business with colleagues, your professional approach is key. Individuals and companies invest a lot of time and money developing and perfecting their skills for business and social etiquette.

Although there are several ways to make a great first impression, the handshake is the strongest and most viable element. It is the greeting call and the platform for a great conversation which leads to a great relationship.

Listed below are helpful tips that individuals can use to improve their first impression with others, gain the right attention and develop excellent social and business relationships.

First Come, First Serve

At networking events, meetings, conferences and interviews, individuals should not wait to be introduced. We encourage you to take initiative, step up to the plate and introduce yourself first. Being proactive is a great way to show that you are eager to meet the other person, passionate about building a great relationship and are not shy or intimidated. There may be situations where you are being accompanied by someone, and must wait for a formal introduction. But in most cases, it is socially and professionally acceptable to introduce yourself first and get the ball rolling.

The Right Hand

The right hand is key to making the best handshake ever. The right hand is the symbol of power, authority and order. Business professionals, students and entrepreneurs should not use their left hand to make handshakes. It is considered a faux-pas and very offensive in various foreign cultures. Also, when you are expending a handshake, always make sure that you are standing up and making direct eye contact with your business counterpart. This is a clear sign of respect and shows that you have manners and understanding.

Firm and Confident

The proper protocol for a handshake goes as follows:

1. A firm grip that is not too tight. Women should also have a firm hand grip which conveys confidence and respect to their business counterparts. Having a limp or weak handshake is offensive and not very inviting.

2. The handshake motion should be up and down and not back and forth. The grip should be two short but firm pumps. Both individuals should make sure that they are doing the motions at the same time. So it is courteous to wait for your counterpart, in order to make the right handshake motions.

3. The initial handshake is just as important as the release. After shaking your other person's hand, make sure to do a proper hand release. A proper hand release is a gently release of the other person's hand without dropping their hand or quickly letting go of their hand.

Chi Chi Okezie is owner/producer of SIMPLEnetworking, LLC in Metro-Atlanta, GA. Newly published author of "SIMPLEnetworking: Creating Opportunities ... The new form of success!" View excerpts of the book and polish your professional approach: http://www.snseminars.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chi_Chi_Okezie

Once I recovered from a ten-year marriage that ended - much like being fired when the employer decides you are no longer an asset to the company - I decided I had gone long enough without a steady relationship and I joined a dating service. During the course of a year I had 42 blind dates - and just like a job seeker who racks up plenty of interviews (but few offers), I learned a lot about what it takes to succeed.

Networking is a great way to meet more people and uncover more interview opportunities. Let those in your immediate network know you are in the market for a new relationship and ask them to tell others in their network what you have to offer. Never turn down an opportunity for an interview. Through every interviewing experience you learn more about the market and yourself while you make contacts that lead you to more opportunities.

We are more attracted to people who show an interest in who we are, what we do, and what we need. Instead of talking incessantly about yourself and what you want and need in a relationship, show more interest in the person on the other side of the table and discuss ways you can fulfill his/her needs.

Holding on to anger from previously failed relationships is not an attractive quality. If you were fired/RIFed/replaced, accept it, and move on. Desperation also is not an attractive quality. Sure you want a new relationship, but if you let the other person know that you are willing to do anything and take anything, you appeared damaged and undesirable.

How you dress for the interview reveals a lot about your personality and how you feel about yourself. If you dress "old" and look "old" you will be seen as someone who is too set in their ways. Likewise, if you show up at a five-star restaurant in a t-shirt and jeans you will come across as uncaring or just plain ignorant!

Don't try to hide what you perceive as potential barriers to securing a long-term relationship. If you are over 40, have kids, or different life goals you hope to attain, don't try to hide it - once you are in the relationship, these things will reveal themselves. Decide what will be the next step after the initial meeting. If you are not interested in the second interview, say so. Don't say you will call unless you are going to call.

Pay attention to those subtle clues that this relationship may not be good for you and walk away. Listen to your "gut" and don't second guess your instincts. Don't repeat previous mistakes in the hopes of righting previous wrongs.

Know what you are looking for and you will find it more quickly. If you can visualize - in minute detail - what that ideal relationship looks like, you will confidently discard those that do not measure up and recognize the right fit when it comes along.

Unfortunately, it took me longer than it should have to learn these things, but I had only been in one long-term relationship and my dating experiences were pretty limited. I was getting a lot of poor advice from others who also had limited dating experience and there were no "dating coaches" I could turn to for guidance. As a result, it took me 42 blind dates to finally assemble the correct tools and techniques and execute a targeted search that led me to my ideal relationship.

I am happy to report that I just celebrated my 16th anniversary in this relationship, and although life offers no guarantees, I can assure you that we are both committed to making this one last!

ekm Inspirations provides new grads and experienced professionals with career tools, coaching and resources to help in their job search and career management. Visit the website at http://www.ekminspirations.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Norine_Dagliano

Someone told me a couple of years ago that there were over 300 networking groups in the UK each with their own networking events - who knows what the situation is right now? The number of networking groups has grown exponentially while I've been in business and what's more each of them has a membership structure where you can potentially join the group. So, should you join a networking group and if so, which one would be the best for you?

Before you make the decision about joining any networking group, I would strongly suggest that you visit lots and lots of groups and see which ones you like and which ones you're not keen on. Even within the same group (like BNI - Business Networking International), there will be different chapters and some chapters will suit you better than others.

Most networking groups will welcome you twice as a visitor before you need to make a decision, but if you are seriously considering joining ask the organiser if you can come again. As long as you don't take the mickey (going 27 times and still not joining) any organiser should allow you to do this is if they can see you're being serious.

Should you join a networking group? I would only say the answer is yes, if you're prepared to spend the time and the energy that joining a networking group requires. It's not just about attending the event; it's also about meeting up with fellow members and finding out more about their business and following up after the event. It's about consistently attending the networking groups and making the most of their training etc. And sometimes, it's about sitting on the committee too and organising the events.

For the small business owners who have joined a networking group and put the time and effort into it, most of them have told me that they get excellent returns on investment and most will continue to be members year after year after year.

If joining a networking group is not for you, you should aim for five or six different networking events each month - this will ensure that you get a good mixture of events and meet lots of different people. You should then be consistent at following up with everyone at the events, regardless of whether you meet them or not.

In summary then, should you join - yes if you can commit the time and energy it takes to get to know the other members and make the most of a networking group; if you can't, go along to a variety of other events and be consistent at following up with people you've met afterwards. Which one should you join - it's really important that you go to a number of different groups and events before you commit to joining one group. That way you can see which group would suit you best.

Remember though, ultimately you're looking for return on investment; you're looking to get more business from the group than the joining fee would cost you. So when you're looking for a group, keep this in mind.

Exceptional Thinking (http://www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk) provides help and advice for small businesses on marketing and for people starting up in business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Helen_Dowling

Networking in the daytime is slightly different from networking at night. As a matter of fact after hours seem to more relaxed and engaging for the business professional, entrepreneur or student. There are few different rules for evening encounters and professionals should pay attention to these so that they can make the most of their networking efforts.

Listed below are ways that professionals can make the most of their networking events and functions as the sun goes down.

Networking Uniform

Evening cocktails and events are less formal that morning breakfast or business luncheons. Professionals tend to wear darker colors and have a more casual yet professional style. Business men can loose the tie and business women can keep leave the suit jacket behind. Although it is not an all out party attire, cocktail and evening events can be a little more festive and appealing in comparison to the daytime office wear. Men and women can even wear nice denim slacks with comfortable and stylish tops to set a professional yet chic image.

Talk of the Talk

When it comes to conversation, after hour networking events tend to lean more towards the social and personal side rather than business. It is a relaxed and more casual environment and people will definitely use that atmosphere to influence their conversation and interactions with their business counterparts. Typical conversations can includes sports, entertainment, travel, family as well as a host of topic of personal interest. This is also an excellent way to build relationships and connect with the right people. Often times, professionals will use this opportunity to set up an appointment at a later date to discuss business.

After Hours Supplies

Before your next networking event that is after hours, professionals should consider being properly prepared for a success and fun encounter with their business counterparts. Professionals are encouraged to carry plenty of business cards. They should also use business etiquette when passing out the cards to make a dynamic first impression. Professionals should also carry cash with them for paying for tips and other additional services.

Chi Chi Okezie is owner/producer of SIMPLEnetworking, LLC in Metro-Atlanta, GA. Newly published author of "SIMPLEnetworking: Creating Opportunities ... The new form of success!" View excerpts of the book and polish your professional approach: http://www.snseminars.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chi_Chi_Okezie

Perhaps you are a small business person who attends chamber of commerce meetings to mix and mingle and network, that's great, you should always participate. However, you should eat before you go to evening mixers, so you can spend the time to network and introduce yourself to new business contacts. If you are busy stuffing your face you look like a free-loader and in doing so you do not look as professional, hardly a way to make a first impression.

Myself, well, over my career in franchising, I made it a requirement that each franchisee join their local chamber of commerce and attend meetings and mixers. Thus, whenever I was in town visiting, often I would also attend such events. I found this issue of folks stuffing their face rather than networking such a common occurrence, I wondered why the SBA did not teach classes on business etiquette, as obviously these folks had lots to learn in that arena.

Even more interesting was when well-known business owners were doing it. Sure, one might expect a certain number of employees which have been sent to such meetings to drink too much and eat heartily, and yet, it should be considered very poor representation when they do.

Let's face it, in a small business you develop your reputation and you serve your community, but if you show such disrespect then you defeat the purpose of building your local brand and in doing so you do a disservice to all. Be wise when it comes to networking, play it smart, eat before you attend Chamber of Commerce meetings. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Blog Content Service. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow

One thing I must share with you is that in the 5 years since I wrote the networking manual "Speed Business Networking - The Manual", I've gone right off organized networking. Not because I think it's a bad thing. But because I'm yet to see a single organization that actually does it right. I'm yet to see a bundle of "members" use anything like truly effective networking practice.

The overwhelming majority of organizations are letting their members down by not teaching simple strategies that could double their business revenue extremely rapidly (and would make networking much more satisfying as well) and the members are letting each other down by their disinterest in learning and using more effective strategies.

I don't mean YOU of course! You're here, reading this tutorial, so I think we can safely say that YOU are interested in, and committed to, doing it better and reaping the benefits which are certainly there!

But in an online, anonymous survey of experienced networkers, the overwhelming majority said they did not want to learn more about their fellow members, and they did not want to learn more effective ways to network, to get more leverage out of networking. To my enormous surprise, the majority said that they did not want to network, and that for them the most important thing that they wanted their networking organisation to provide was passive entertainment!

This is definitely a major factor in the +95% failure rate of small business. You would NEVER hear the owner of long-term, healthy, thriving business say those things. Because NO-ONE achieves that level of success on their own. Without exception they achieve it because of the support and input of their business friends - their business network.

So that brings us to the point of asking "Well if this is the case, why aren't networking organizations trying to drum this into members' heads?" And the answers are "marketing" and "fees". If the networking organizations provided what members actually need in order to grow their businesses, if they had policies in place which required members to network effectively, they would lose members. That's the bottom line.

Want proof of that? Well we are number one on Google for the 2 most-searched-for business networking search phrases. And we have been for some time. We offer to use our position to promote, wholeheartedly and completely free of charge, any networking organization that commits to following effective and proven networking strategies. We even offer to help them to do that, also free of charge. We will "personally" promote those organizations on our site, and we won't take a cent at any time for doing that.

How many networking organizations do we promote in this way? None, zero, zilch.

Although we were the first networking organization to coin the phrase "Speed Business Networking" and we promote a speed networking component at nearly every meeting, that was only EVER a mechanism to get people in front of each other instead of in corners, to give them an opportunity to "click". (And we taught people how to look for the "click"!) The main emphasis was on the principles and methodology of ethical and effective networking. So we were NEVER saying that meeting new people was the key part of networking because it ISN'T. It's what you do with them afterwards that counts, and that's the ONLY THING THAT COUNTS.

Most people who join networking organizations do so because for one reason or another they don't have the ability to form their own networks. Some people think that members join for the efficiency of meeting lots of business people. As I just pointed out, that's false logic, because you can meet a million people at these functions, and if you don't follow up by building real and personal friendships with those individuals that you "click" with, to the extent that you become each others' raving fans and share expertise, resources, advocacy, joint ventures, and of course referrals, you may as well not bother.

I'll put this even more simply. The overwhelming majority of organized networking done today is a complete waste of time, effort and money. And the fact that it's usually done out of business hours means that it is simultaneously robbing people of their home lives, and robbing them of the time that they could be spending with a network that is at least genuine: family and friends.

So here I'm going to make a very big statement and it's your reaction to it that will tell you whether or not you're going to get the really big payoff from networking.

To get a really big payoff from networking you will have to BUILD YOUR OWN NETWORK, and although you will certainly enjoy some out-of-hours activities (probably including members' family and friends for the simple fact that these people WILL be your REAL friends) the majority of your networking will be done in business hours because IT IS A BUSINESS ACTIVITY.

Now, if you're going "I can't possibly do that because ....." then although you'll certainly get something out of this article, I know you're going to struggle to grow your business. If you're going "Sounds interesting, I'm prepared to commit" and you follow that up with action, you have a recipe for success!

Speed Business Networking offers FREE MEMBERSHIP to individuals and networking organisations who want to improve their networking satisfaction and results.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Sutherland