Social Networking vs Business Networking

Social Networking is one of the most important things you can do for your business. Notice that I used the term "Social Networking" instead of "Business Networking". Yes, I know that the two are supposed to be different, but as usual I tend to disagree. I think that Social and Business Networking cannot actually be separated. When people get the feeling that you are only associating with them because of what they can do for you, it causes them to remain distant(which limits the help you can actually get from them)....And as you probably know, It is always easier to get things done with people who know you(or at least think they do).

This is why for networking purposes, it is more important that people like you as a person than it is that they know about your business. Now I am not saying that you should just neglect to mention your business altogether, but I am saying that your first priority should be to sell yourself and not your product or your business. Rule of thumb: "People remember People." Remember that! (For more on this read This Entrepreneurship Story)

How It's Done

Well, there is an art to developing this perfect social/business relationship. I have broken it down into 3 sections. Below I have provided tips on each of the 3 major factors of Social Networking:

The Introduction

1) Don't be desperate- If you recognize someone across the room, don't make it so obvious that you are trying to get to them. That makes it a whole lot easier for people to dismiss you as a "nobody" once you actually do get to them.

2) Be Yourself- People can see right through you when you don't. I creates an atmosphere of distrust and the relationship will be over before it even starts.

3) Be Knowledgeable- Even if your not on the "who's who" list for your industry, you must still carry a confidence that says "I know exactly what I'm doing."

4) Be professional yet personable- It is good for people to recognize your expertise and professional capabilities but even in the business world, "nobody likes a stick in the mud."

The Follow-Up

1) Keep In Touch- The meeting is only the beginning. You have to stay in touch in order to develop the relationship. Send an email to find out how things are going, call every once in a while. This makes it a lot easier when you actually have to call in a "favor."

2) Can you think of any? (Leave in Comments section)

The Friendly Favor

1) Don't go overboard- You can easily end a relationship if your request doesn't match your relationship. What do I mean? Ex: Don't ask a guy you just met for a $1 million business loan. He will think your crazy. (Ask for $900,000 and work up to that :))

2) Use frugally- The guy who requests a favor a week will get none. A favor a year works for a healthy business relationship.

For more tips on business networking, check out Lorren Biffin's article over at YoungGoGetter.
One quote I like from his article reads " Don’t ever give false impressions of who you are or why you’re trying to network with them. Anything less than complete honesty is, well, dishonest. Nobody is going to trust what you bring to the table if it smells fishy or you if you can’t at least find a part of yourself to feel confident about."

I thought this comment was right on and it re-iterates Tip#2 of my "Introduction" section. Also check out Stephanie Speisman's article on Business Networking. After reading all 3 of these you should be a networking fool! So get out there and make something happen!

Anything I miss? Wanna add a tidbit? Please leave it in the comments section. I look forward to hearing from you!