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Preparation for Networking in Five Steps

 

 

Preparation is the process of making ready. It lays a groundwork for success and lessens frustration by reducing unknown variables. There is an inverse relationship between preparation and frustration.

Preparation is ongoing. You prepare for your day. You prepare your vehicle for travel. You prepare a shopping list. You prepare for emergencies. You prepare for vacation. The list of situations you prepare for is endless.

Preparing for networking functions is no different. There are five simple things you can do to prepare for networking. How many are you currently doing? 


Man tying running shoe

Focus
Take 10 minutes out of your busy week and focus totally on networking. Consider the events you will attend. Review previous networking events. What network presentations will you be delivering (30sec, 1min, 10min)? This focus time is for creating a clear mental image of your networking success.


Identify
Establish what you’re trying to accomplish. Know what makes your networking a success. This is very specific to you. Perhaps you are new to the area and want to meet several people, you may consider larger functions. If you want to renew or strengthen existing relationships you may consider small functions. It may be there are specific people you want to be introduced to. It is imperative you identify your particular networking success.

Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve. Napoleon Hill


Schedule
Not every networking event is compulsory. Networking events should be an adjunct to your profession. By scheduling the events you attend, you are controlling your efforts and results. Make sure to include travel and auxiliary time as you make your schedule.


Rehearse
Knowing what you’re going to say in different situations is crucial preparation. Have your “elevator speech” perfected and memorized.

If you are attending functions that allow you to give short “commercials” prepare two of them. Have one rehearsed and timed, the other as a fallback if another person steals your thunder by covering the same topic.

When you have the opportunity to give longer presentations practice the presentation. If you plan to use technical equipment make sure you are very comfortable with it. Make sure you have plenty of handouts if you are using them. Plan to use your full-time allotment without going over.

Rehearsal is the part of preparation most often overlooked. The time spent rehearsing may be the best investment you could make.


Evaluate
Take a moment to evaluate each networking opportunity you have. Most will be positive experiences. Figure out what makes them good, and keep doing it. There are also some experiences you will not want to repeat. Take note and avoid repeating those experiences. This will assist with future preparations.

As you make a habit of preparing for your networking functions you will experience better results.


What changes will you make in your preparations?

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