What's Your Best Technique?

How To
Opportunities to build your personal network are all around you. Below are some suggested networking events from "Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi.

1. Fifteen minutes and a cup of coffee
2. Conferences
3. Invite someone to share a workout or a hobby
4. A quick early breakfast
5. Invites someone to a special event - theater, book signing, concert, etc.
6. Entertaining at home - dinner parties are intimate and small

You can also target specific people you'd like to get to know and meet them. First, do your Homework. Know the person you're about to meet and their company.

• Use the Internet
• Public library, trade journals, articles written by the person
• Literature from the company's PR department Call and explain that you have a scheduled meeting and would like some background
• Annual Reports
• Don't shy away from the research you've done, it's flattering.

Once you have researched the person you can meet them through one of the methods listed above or simply give them a call. Below are guidelines for networking cold calls.

• Convey credibility by mentioning a familiar person or institution
• State your value proposition
• Impart urgency and convenience by being prepared to do whatever it takes whenever it takes to meet with other person on his or her own terms
• Be prepared to offer a compromise that secures a definite follow-up at a minimum.