Networking Tips
WARNING: Facebook Spoof eMails – Happy Holidays NOT
As a web developer that has developed, implemented, managed and supported over 100 active websites, I get to see every flavor of spam possible. I won’t bore you with the nitty gritty details about spam, but if you saw the movie Forrest Gump, Bubba started a list of all the ways he knew to prepare shrimp… my list is that long about spam and I am from the South. Imagine that.
Lately the worst offenders have been the Facebook Spoof emails, as they look identical to the email notifications from Facebook. There’s a ‘Happy Holiday’ Facebook spoof that puts a virus on your computer and also infects your Facebook page. Even though you love and adore Facebook, don’t open the emails! Procede with caution when it comes to networking sites. I use the email practices on the list below. Please add yours to the comments…
How do I Start Networking? – Keith Farrazzi
Go see Keith Farrazzi, the popular author of ‘Never Eat Alone’ if you ever get a chance to see him live. He’s just like he is in this short 2 minute video, passionate and animated. He brings some good points to the table about getting involved where you’ll shine…and that’s where your passion comes in…Engage it! He never mentioned any formal business networking events… and that’s an important detail. You can connect anywhere! (But we encourage business networking organizations. 
Think of all the places your can make business connections outside of your referral group or chamber mixer. Your next big business connection could be standing right next you at Starbucks!
Create a Memory
by Dale Furtwengler
Nothing creates a memory like offering a referral or resource to someone you meet at networking events. But a memory of what? You kindness and generosity, most certainly, but will that help you to generate referrals for yourself? You need to clearly communicate who your ideal client is. There are all sorts of mistake that I see when people are introducing themselves at networking events. Here are three: 1. They emphasis what they do.
2. They don’t talk about what benefits their customers receive from working with them.
3. They use demographics to identify their ideal client.
I’m going to be talking about point number three. You already know what it feels like when someone’s rambling commentary is all about them. YAWN! The least obvious is the third mistake.