Networking for Women in Business - 5 Successful Tips

Networking is all about connecting with other people to see if you can offer something to them, be it a service or product, or referrals for their business. Building relationships is an essential part to networking and the most valuable.

Everyone at a networking event is there to sell their product or service. Unfortunately, networking events are not the best place to make a sale. They are however a great place to make connections - and connections are the key factor in growing a successful business.

These five points are basic networking fundamentals:

1. Presentation

People don't buy your product or service, they buy you. If a prospect isn't sold on you personally you have no chance of even beginning a sales transaction.

Your personal presentation is extremely important. Most people will make judgement on you upon first sight. If you are unsure about your personal image, speak to an image consultant to get that professional look. The very basics are to wear well fitted, good quality business attire. Ensure your shoes are clean, your nails are groomed, and if you're a woman, your make up is neat and professional.

Your body language also tells a story. Ensure you keep your head up, shoulders back, with your arms by your side and a smile on your face. This indicates you are confident and approachable.

Another fundamental point is your handshake. A networking contact can be made and lost with a handshake. Your handshake should be firm, not floppy, but not overpowering. Make eye contact, and be confident.

2. Business Cards

Always make sure you take your cards to a networking event. There is nothing less professional than arriving without cards.

Your business cards should be professionally printed and contain your contact details. A good business card will also contain product or service information. An excellent business card is one that gets remembered, and studies have shown that coloured cards are far more appealing than black and white.

When receiving a business card, it is polite to read both sides of it. If you're receiving a business card from an Asian contact, it's polite to receive it with both hands, and treat it with reverence.

3. Give Value First

Trying to get business for yourself from people you have just met is unlikely to work. To form a valuable relationship built on good will and trust you must give value first without asking for anything in return. When you meet someone, ensure you ask about what they do. Then think of people in your contact list who might be able to use there services and pass them on.

4. Keep Details

When you do get details from people you meet ensure you write them down shortly after you have finished talking with them. Write down more than just their contact details, write down personality traits, family details, hobbies, memory joggers of the conversation or anything that actually helps to describe the person.

Jotting these ideas down on the back of their business card is a good way to keep the details handy. Also jot down any appointments or commitments to follow up that you've made.

5. Conversation

Having good communication skills are paramount to starting a good relationship. When talking to them ask them about certain things such as, where are they are taking their business next, how they got started in business, what challenges are them facing right now.

Not only do these questions make you seem genuinely interested in them and their business but it gives great insight on to how you can help them and take your relationship to the next level.