Business Article

Increasing the ROI on Your Networking

By Helen Wilkie

Networking requires an investment of time, money and effort. Here are
four ways to be sure your return on that investment is worthwhile.

Decide what you want

Why are your attending networking events? Are you looking for a new
job? More business? Social contacts in a new home town? Whatever
your purpose, stay focused on it, or things can slide into just another
long lunch.

Attend the right event

If you are, say, a graphic designed looking for clients, why spend your
time at an event for graphic designers? OK, you might be able to pick up
some overload business from some designer who is super busy, but
that's a very small poor to fish in. You'd be much better off mixing with
folks from businesses who use design work. Seems obvious, but it's
surprising how many people make this mistake.

Talk to the right people

Don't spend your valuable networking time chatting to people you
already know, who are not in your target group. It's tempting, of course,
because it's easy and fun-but it's not networking! Look for new people
and make the effort to meet and greet them.

Keep track of your results

Every month or so, track back through your networking opportunities.
Who did you meet? Where did you meet them? How did they fit with
your reasons for being there? Did anyone help you achieve your
objective?

Of course, you'll also meet people who are pleasant additions to your
social circle, some of whom may even become friends. Do include them
in your success picture, but if you find you make more casual
acquaintances than the people you are there to meet, you may need to
change your networking activites so that they bring you a higher Return
On Investment.

Helen Wilkie is a professional keynote speaker, workshop leader and author specializing in applied communication, including networking. Read more articles on this and other communication subjects on her website at http://www.mhwcom.com Subscribe to Helen's free monthly e-zine, "Communi-keys", and get your free 40-page e-book, 23 ideas you can use RIGHT NOW to communicate and succeed in your business career!

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