Do you sometimes feel you don't know
what to say when you meet new people? If you’re in a new position
or in a position for years, networking is an extremely important
skill for everyone involved with HR. The following tips are
meant as friendly tips to help you build your workforce for
tomorrow.
Have a goal in mind. It can be as simple as saying I am going
to remember meeting three people from this meeting. Be thinking,
"What can I give to this person?"
Listen more and talk less. Introduce yourself first and listen
for a shared interest. Speak in terms of what you do. Tell
a short story to get your point across and remember; body
language and tone count more than words. Your audience will
remember your story and link you to the story.
Be real with those you come in contact with; the result will
be a life-long stream of customers that follow. Be yourself
and let people know if you’re uncomfortable.
Build an effective elevator pitch. The objective is to engage
the person whom you are speaking with and get them to ask
you a little more about yourself. Example; "We connect
HR Professionals with HR Opportunities." If you don't
receive questions, you’re sharing the wrong information.
Bring your business cards. After your meeting, use the card
to write down a few memorable thoughts about each person on
the back of their card.
Focus on helping people. Networking is a two way street and
people who have worked together forge powerful relationships
of trust and respect.
Ask for help. Most people enjoy helping others. Therefore
what is it that you want to "get?"
If they gave you contacts, make sure you follow-up with them
after you meet with those contacts.
Never leave a conversation abruptly; instead share a comment
such as, "Glad to have met you and learn about your business"
or "I’ll follow up our conversation by sending you some
additional information."
With persistence and a positive attitude, your networking
efforts will multiply. Now, go out and find several good places
to meet people and watch your networking multiply.
Back
to the library
Reproduction
of this article cannot be accomplished without the expressed
consent of Human Resource Staffing.
Don Schmitz
is a popular speaker and writer on all aspects of HR and CEO
of Human Resource Staffing. Don holds graduate degrees in
Education, Administration and Human Development.
Contact Don@HumanResourceStaffingInc.com
952 854 6040
