Networking can open doors of opportunity... including the chance of finding new friends and reaching out to people with your skills and strengths. Here are the etiquette guidelines

NETWORKING CAN OPEN DOORS  OF OPPORTUNITY 

Networking is an essential business skill that can be learned. The more you network, the easier it gets. Your confidence will grow and after time, the fear doesn't stop you.Meeting and greeting people at business events for many is a frightening concept. How do you let people know what you do and what you might offer them if you don’t get out and promote yourself? 

Traditional networking guides and tips make networking pretty transactional, but networking is more effective when you’re meeting and getting to know people before you need help with something or want to sell your products and services.

10 TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE NETWORKING

  

1.    Develop a list of potential  contacts.These are people you could approach about events or job prospects.

2.    Identify  professional and social event  that will be interseting to attend on a regular basis. Volunteer to help in organizing these events  if possible!

3.    Dress appropriately for these events. First impressions count, so ensure that you wear clothing that reflects a professional image.

4.     Learn how to start a conversation. This is called small talk. Begin with questions such as, “what brings you to this event?”

5.    Have a “30-second resume” ready. This is a verbal summary of your career interests, knowledge areas, skills, and type of industry that interests  you....don't bore people with a long biography

6.    Avoid dominating the conversation (i.e having an “it’s all about me!” mentality).

7.    Master the art of asking open-ended questions. This type of question lets you learn about the other person. Be careful to avoid questions that are too personal  (e.g., “Are you single?” or “Do you have children?”)

8.    Prepare a business card and be ready to hand it out. Keep cards that you receive. Be careful to avoid being pushy when offering or requesting cards.

 Remember that networking at events means continually moving around and not monopolizing one person’s time all evening.

9.    Send a follow-up email right after the event when memories are fresh... try to recall a humourous or warm  encounter in the message but wait for a day before  you follow up on a opportunity you discussed

It is your with choice how to use technology and whether it will hinder or help your communications. You can bet those you communicate will be grateful!

EMAIL: YOUR WINDOW TO THE BIZ WORLD ...  
Some  Etiquette Tips

1.    Make sure your e-mail includes a courteous greeting and closing. Helps to make your e-mail not seem demanding or terse.

2.    Address your contact with the appropriate level of formality and make sure you spelled their name correctly.

3.    Spell check - emails with typos are simply not taken as seriously.

4.    Read your email out loud to ensure the tone is that which you desire. Try to avoid relying on formatting for emphasis; rather choose the words that reflect your meaning instead. A few additions of the words "please" and "thank you" go a long way!

5.    Be sure you are including all relevant details or information necessary to understand your request or point of view. Generalities can many times causing confusion and unnecessary back and forth.

6.    Are you using proper sentence structure? First word capitalized with appropriate punctuation? Multiple instances of !!! or ??? are perceived as rude or condescending.

7.    If your email is emotionally charged, walk away from the computer and wait to reply. Review the Sender's email again so that you are sure you are not reading anything into the email that simply isn't there.

8.    If sending attachments, did you ask first when would be the best time to send? Did you check file size to make sure you don't fill the other side's inbox causing all subsequent e-mail to bounce?

9.    Refrain from using the Reply to All feature to give your opinion to those who may not be interested. In most cases replying to the Sender alone is your best course of action. 

10.Make one last check that the address or addresses in the To: field are those you wish to send your reply to.

11.Be sure your name is reflected properly in the From: field. Charan Singh (not CHARAN , charan singh or CHARAN SINGH).

12.Type in complete sentences. To type random phrases or cryptic thoughts does not lend to clear communication. 

13.Always include a brief Subject. No subject can get your email flagged as spam

14.Never assume the intent of an email. If you are not sure -- ask so as to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

15.Just because someone doesn't ask for a response doesn't mean you ignore them. Always acknowledge emails from those you know in a timely manner.

16.Be sure the Subject: field accurately reflects the content of your email.

17.Don't hesitate to say thank you, how are you, or appreciate your help!

18.Keep emails brief and to the point. Save long conversations for the old fashioned telephone.

19.Always end your emails with  a suitable greeting "Thank you," "Sincerely," ," "Best regards" - Kind regards etc....

21.Include addresses in the To: field for those who you would like a response from.