What to bring with you when you NetWORK! PDF  | Print |  E-mail
Written by Tiffanie Kellog   
Thursday, 07 January 2010 00:00

Why a Networking Survival Kit? In the Certified Networker Program, one of the 10 Commandments of Networking a Mixer is to always have your networking tools; this kit has your tools, ready to go!

 

TOOLS to ALWAYS have with you, when networking:
Business Cards: always have plenty! Keep extra in your purse/wallet, car, briefcase, jackets, and anywhere else you can staff a couple cards, because it never looks good to tell someone you don’t have cards with you!
Name Tag: make it to where you are asked questions. A few months ago we had a blog post about what to put on your name tag… go back and read it (and comment) for ideas on what to put on YOUR name tag.
Pens: be ready to take notes (whether on the back of their business card or on a separate note pad). It will make it much easier to keep track after the event then trying to remember the next day or the next week why you have that card, and why you needed to get in touch with them ASAP. mints
Breath Mints: Hard to converse when your breath is smelly! (Gum can work too, or breath spray)
Paper Clip: To keep all the cards from the event together until you can follow up and enter into your database (you will already have the information on why you are following up, you don’t need to crowd it with location too).

Is this an exhaustive list of items you need to network?
No.
Is it a good start?
Yes.
So, remember, next time you go networking, make sure you have the right tools.
 

Comments  

 
0 #2 Brad Savage 2010-02-10 03:13
Breath mints are a great idea. I actually carry around Thread Art's breath mint box (like the ones pictured above) and actually use it as a conversation piece.

How cool would it be for a business to have their own mint box for those situations where you just need something minor to trigger questions about your business? Pop a mint in your mouth and offer the other party some (or a box). They are sure to ask about what is on the outside!
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0 #1 Virginia 2010-01-19 21:29
I seldom go to networking events but the few I have been to I always seem to run into at least 1 person who does not have any business cards!!!! I am always suprised people actually go without business cards and my first thought is "do I really want to do business with someone who does not bring cards with them".
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