I will be writing a series of posts on Professional Networking. This is the second one in the series. In my post “Professional Networking” yesterday, I tried to formulate a hypothetical framework of Professional Networking. Today I will give you some tips based on my Networking experience.

Preparation
Preparation is the most essential requirement for any kind of networking. If you are prepared upfront, you are more confident and open. You will be able to express yourself more precisely and you will make the most out of any networking opportunity you get.

Value the Time
For any thing you do, not just for professional networking, a good time scheduling approach is important. Chance of success is high, if you plan, organize and set discrete goals with clear vision. If you are set to attend a professional networking event, don’t forget to consider the time it will take to reach the venue to ensure that you reach a little earlier and also set a side a little time for the after event informal chatting with the participants. Time after event is even more important for informal bondings. It reminds me my meeting in Tokyo last year with my Japanese client. I learned from my client that Japanese business people close most of the deals after formal official meetings at informal meetings during dinner time. It may not be true everywhere, but it is sure that informal bonding helps to make formal decisions. If you’re going to attend such professional networking events, don’t forget to set your alarm on your mobile phone or on event calendar you use in your laptop to remind you to leave the office on time and it is important that you leave with the time margin I discussed above. You know professionals easily get caught up in other activities and be late to the event, therefore missing a very prospective networking opportunity.

Energize yourself
If you feel stressed, listen to a good music before you leave. Breath deep few times, fresh up and collect the energy to keep yourself attentive! Your positive energy is very important to make the networking meeting turn into prospective opportunity.

Update database
As soon as you get back from the meeting, update your contacts database and always make notes about the meeting and the prospects. Schedule the follow up calls, reminders and plan for the next event. You must write an email expressing that how good you felt meeting the prospect in the meeting and list some of the major points you discussed during the meeting. It helps you keep the record and make the prospect feel that you are serious about the further relationship - business or professional. I have seen many people that they make connection with a prospect and forget their name when meeting next time. It’s very easy to damage your relationship that way.
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