To become a great networker you have to work at that too! Those that work on it and practise consistently are the ones that become ‘fluent’. The basic foundation of any language is its alphabet, and it’s the ability to combine the right letters in that alphabet that helps people to ‘master’ the language. So I thought I’d try and develop an alphabet for effective networking!

• Accept that ‘networking’ is not just about ‘selling’ – this is key to this whole process
• Be clear about what you want to achieve – In other words, know why you’re doing it!
• Choose the networks that will help you do this
• Do have clear networking plan – set targets and budgets (time and money)
• Energise your networks – get involved and contribute to them
• Find out who’s going to be there – do research before you go to events
• Give, don’t just ‘take’ – be prepared to provide ideas and contacts to others
• Host – act as one – introduce others, bring people together
• Identify ‘key players’, signposters and key influencers – become one yourself!
• Join in with others and help Join others up with them!
• Keep your promises – if you say you’ll send someone some information or pass on their contact details, then do it! (And follow it up where necessary!)
• Listen, listen, listen – the best networkers are great listeners
• Make time for networking – build it into your marketing strategy
• Notes – make them on the cards you get from people (but be careful what you write – and don’t leave them lying around for others to see!)
• Opt out of the networks that aren’t working for you – review what is working and isn’t
• Proactivity is key – don’t be ‘Passive’ and just let it all happen to you
• Quiz others – ask lots and lots of Questions
• Rapport – build it by listening actively to the answers to those questions and taking a real interest
• Signposter – Be One! Help people make connections – they’ll remember (and thank) you for it
• Two ears, one mouth – use them in that proportion!!!
• Understand what is working and what isn’t – evaluate your networking activities and act accordingly
• Value – add it to your networks by contributing and stimulating them!
• Ways to help others – identify them and use them!
• Xpert – establish yourself as one – ensure people know ‘what you stand for’
• You are your brand – use networking to reinforce this positively
• Zzzzzz – don’t be boring! Be the one people want to network with!

This is clearly the alphabet according to Andy Hanselman here in Sheffield in the UK! I’d love to hear from anyone else around the world about their ‘interpretation’ of the letters. We could maybe create a multi-lingual version! Please let me know what you think!
 

Author Andy Hanselman helps business leaders and their people improve their competitiveness through speaking, training, consulting and writing. For more information, visit www.andyhanselman.com or email him at andy@competeorgetbeat.com.