Results oriented Networking

What are you doing to ensure results on your networking ventures? I often get the question "what can your group do for me?" when I am promoting our Meet For Biz events. Every time, I clearly state that we provide the resources for you to get results.
It's not the responsibility of a networking group to get your results for you. Organizers work hard to bring like minded people together so you can excel.
What does it take to make your networking ventures worth while? I recently did a presentation at a Meet For Biz Markham event, here are the points I talked about:

1. SET YOUR INTENTION
a. Is there a specific “target” you need to reach?
b. Is there a certain “leverage” you are looking for? Partner? Alliance?
c. Do you have a sales goal for a specific time you need help reaching?

2. DON'T JUST COLLECT BUSINESS CARDS
a. Make a point of learning something about the person you are connecting with and write a personal detail about them
i. Kid’s sick
ii. Sales are down
iii. Beautiful necklace

3. CONNECT WITH THE PEOPLE
a. Make eye contact
b. Use their name
c. LISTEN to them, and use the information given to you within the conversation
d. Don’t sell yourself!!!!!! You WILL lose them!
e. Ask Open ended questions


4. BE TRUE TO YOURSELF - BE GENUINE
a. Don’t fulfill the needs of others by doing what you think “they” want, just be yourself
b. Build relationships with integrity
c. Let people see your value and they will come to you

5. HAVE A CLEAR DEFINITION OF WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU DO!
a. KISS – Keep it simple and short
b. Perfect your elevator pitch and make it work for you!

6. EXPAND YOUR NETWORKING BANDWIDTH TO MORE THAN ONE ORGANIZATION
a. The more you are out there creating relationships, the higher your range of growth!

7. VOLUNTEER
A. Giving back to your community is integral to your personal, spiritual, and professional growth
B. This includes helping out your fellow networker

8. STAY ORGANIZED
a. Create a system for Networking that works for you

9. ASK FOR ADVICE
a. It’s powerful to be vulnerable
b. People like to give you their opinion
c. If you lose your judgment, a good idea is out there just waiting to hit you in the face

10. FOLLOW UP FOLLOW UP FOLLOW UP
a. Follow up with the people you don’t think can help you
b. Follow up with the people you think can help you and ASK for it