Mission Valley WSPN

Make yourself memorable by wearing something that inspires conversation, like colorful socks, an unusual brooch or scarf, or a funny necktie. Not only do these items serve as icebreakers, but they also make small talk easier.

Networking allows the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business

Use "networking" to build real relationships -- and your new friends and colleagues will want to do business with you and send business your way.

Ethics above all – Every once in a while, you can find yourself in a networking situation with the potential to cross moral lines. Save yourself a world of trouble, and don’t let yourself be tempted.

Developing relationships will provide you with ties to important contacts and key players. By helping others in their development, you will establish mutually beneficial relationships that can exist throughout your career. This is what networking is all about.

To grow your business through networking, you must form bonds of trust. One way to accomplish this is to join a networking group and commit to regularly attending their meetings. This way, the members get to known you and develop confidence that contacts they refer to you wll be treated well.

When networking, one of the first things on your to-do list should be developing an "elevator pitch”. It’s a 30-60 second speech that summarizes who you are, what you do and why I might want to do business with you.

Showing up early at a networking event is a better strategy than getting there on time. As an early attendee, you'll notice that it's calmer and quieter – and people won't have settled into groups yet. It's easier to find other people who don't have conversation partners yet.

The goal of networking should be to help other people. Yes, it would be nice if they helped you out as well, but networking is a two–way street. And your side of the street is all about helping others, not asking them to help you.