Top 11 (Yes, 11) Networking Tips from RMA

Posted on June 29th, 2010 by Keith Ferrazzi

I crowd-sourced this week's email newsletter by asking the RMA class for their BEST networking tips as part of our weekly contest. We got dozens, then picked the top ten. And I couldn't help adding one of my own.

10 Great Networking Tips from the Relationship Masters Academy

1. The best advice I received recently was on e-mail etiquette. I was coached never to use the word "I" until the third sentence. It sounds harder than you think. After about five revisions I finally nailed it, sent the cold e-mail to the most prominent attorney in the county who I had never met, got the lunch meeting 1st request, and walked out of a 90 minute meeting with a retainer check in hand. That never happened in the short 8 years of my business. So, stay away from "I" ! - Eric Frazer

2. My best networking tip is volunteering yourself to the top. The power of serving a community or faith based organization puts networking connections and relationships on a different level. Although it doesn’t generate any income for me directly, volunteering has given me the opportunity to meet new people, nurture new relationships, and build my referral network.  I’d highly recommend it! - JP Finnell

3. The best networking advice I ever received was from my late mother, who told me that if I wanted to have a good time I would.  She's right. - Lucy

4. Never take counsel from your fears. Whenever I was called in to see someone, I always made a point to tell myself that it was because I had done something wonderful, so that I would walk into any meeting with a positive attitude. Even if the discussion turned out to be negative, I was so positive that I remained strong and could deal with the situation. - Sam B. Bruce

5. My best networking advice comes from my four-year-old son. START WITH A COMPLIMENT. Whenever he wants me to carry him (or do anything for him) he simply starts with a compliment. “Daddy you are strong, will you carry me up the stairs?” I could have another one of my kids already in my arms with bags of groceries, but I will find a way to carry him since he complimented my abilities. I have practiced this a few times in my professional networks and it has worked with great success. - Luke Thompson

6. If you're always thinking about ways to grow your relationships, you gotta use the tools that make it easy. Every time I meet someone, I follow-up with a LinkedIn invitation (rather than a note/email). They get to see everything about me and vice versa - including shared connections and other data that can really jump-start your new relationship. - Curt Ewald

7. My best tip came from my uncle, who told me never to be afraid to call anyone. But the 2nd "best" tip was from a former boss... who once said to me, "When things get crazy, it's time to get annoying!" His thought process was that the more annoying you are, the harder you were trying, the more effective you were going to be making sales.  I do NOT subscribe to this theory.  However, it is a phrase that helped me clarify my own position and philosophy on interpersonal interactions and professional development.  - D. Jackson

8. You are going to laugh but mine is from Bridget Jones's Diary (I love that movie). In it Bridget was told to introduce people with "thoughtful detail." So, when I introduce two people I try to make sure that I explain who this person, what they do, and something about them personally that the other person might be interested in. It makes their conversation easier, as I'm breaking the ice. - Greta Zeimetz

9. The distance between levels of success is usually a person, not time, because time is not a teacher. - Steven Gundersen

10. My best networking advice is also good life advice: "Make high integrity commitments, both to yourself and to others -- and keep every one of them." - Matthew Clement

11. To create a deeper relationship with a colleague or associate, get the person away from their desk - the farther you get the, the nicer they'll be. - Keith Ferrazzi

Now share your own best networking tip!

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17 Responses so far | Have Your Say!

  1. I like that there are 11 tips in your top 10 list, as the best networking advice I ever got was to give the other people a little bit more than they expect from you.

  2. I'm still laughing at, "Daddy, you are strong, will you carry me up the stairs?" Who could possibly say no?

  3. What a fantastic list!! I'd add the secret to all great networking is to be "other-focused". If you come to any conversation with genuine curiosity and a desire to help the other person, you can then easily be more interested than interesting. Seek to serve, then it's about them, not about you and how fabulous you are.

    • Hi Suzi,

      I wholeheartedly agree with you along with the other 11 tips. If you are just getting acquainted with a person or business, be open and have a genuine interest in who they are or what they are about.

      This sets the "relationship" off in the right direction.

  4. "Success comes from taking the initiative and FOLLOWING UP... persisting... eloquently expressing the depth of your love. What simple action could you take today to produce a new momentum toward success in your life?”

    Did you meet a new contact? A new colleague? A new friend? ...and, you want to make a lasting impression?

    Your chances will improve dramatically, if you = Follow Up!

    Immediately, without fail, establish a calendar entry (maybe, in your Microsoft Outlook), listing your new associate's contact information... to automatically pop up in 1-2 weeks - as a reminder - to send a quick note: briefly mentioning your rendezvous, last topic of discussion, and - of course - inquire of THEIR well-being. Having this (slightly-)automated process allows you to worry less about remembering [1] 'who' to follow-up with, and [2] in regards to 'what'...

    Alternatively, there are numerous E-mail and SMS Scheduler programs that you can download & install on your computer and/or mobile device. Such applications allow a user to create a new text message (or e-mail), choose a recipient(s), and set a time & date for 'that' text message (or e-mail) to be sent automatically. With limitless uses - such as: friendly task reminders, to birthday/anniversary/holiday greetings, to random "networking HELLO's"... you will be remembered as having an Incredible memory (and, cared enough - about 'that' person - to remember them).

    Good luck, and remember: The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.

    (Nice topic, this week, Keith!)

  5. The first tip about not using "I" until the 3rd sentence seems like it makes sense, but I just tried to do it and it was so hard. Any tips or examples on how to get to #3 without using "I" in a way that makes sense?

    • Your are correct, Chris. This is hard. What has helped me is "we". We are a team and sometimes it is a team of one. But the one has been made up of many who have made you who you are today.

      All of these tips awesome. Thank you.

  6. Great way to start a conversation when networking....With a big smilel "Tell about the best thing is that happened to you recently".

    In order for them to answer it they have to think of something positive and if you listen you'll have the next question to ask them. Builds rapport fast!

    http://www.kathycondons.blogspot.com

  7. I like JP's "volunteering yourself to the top" tip. I have been involved in my local Chamber of Commerce for 5 years and is now just starting to pay monetary dividends, but the connections and exposure I have received in my community continues to be invaluable. Better yet, the leadership roles I have taken have made me a better person and given me a true sense of giving back to my community. Great tip JP!

  8. Great list. Thanks for the great tips!

  9. You've amassed a list of enlightened approaches! Combining them has potential. If you mixed "you're so strong", Bridget Jones, high integrity commitments, closing the distance between you and success in one person with "just call", you could create a powerhouse advisory board of mentors to whom you could be accountable for your success. Powerful!
    Thanks!

  10. Great tips, particularly 1 (not use I), 5 (start with a compliment), and 11 (get away from the desk)!
    Jordi

  11. Great tips! My two cents: Make an effort to remeber peoples' names. How do you feel when someone who least expected to remember your name comes up to you with a smile and says, "hey Jane, its so nice to see you again, how are you doing?" I think its really impressive and makes one want to engage further in a conversation.

  12. Great topic. Don't be afraid to let your true personality shine through; be human, be humble, and be honest, and others will respond to you.

  13. I thought you would want to know that this site does not display right on my mobile (iphone).

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