The Guru Nation Blog

Everyone develops their own business networking techniques. One of my friends in the television business always gives out bright yellow business cards as a way to say “remember me.”
Some younger bankers I know consider their best business networking techniques are developed at their local watering hole. And several senior executives I meet with on a regular basis find that networking is all about just “showing up” as often as possible.

Despite the various flavors, styles, approaches, and edicts you’ll Read about the best business networking techniques, here are my five favorites, each with a specific purpose in mind:

1. Collect 10 business cards at every professional event you attend and commit to contact at least 4 of them within 2 weeks.
Purpose: To begin meeting people who are in different fields so you extend your reach and knowledge.

2. Twice a month, take a colleague out to lunch and determine how you might help them with a particular project.
Purpose: To establish that you are the “jump in and help” person who others can depend on.

3.    Attend industry seminars and invite someone you want to know better to be your guest.
Purpose: To develop stronger alliances and friendships with other people talented people.

4.    Ask for introductions from friends or colleagues to those who are in businesses unlike your own.
Purpose: To become better acquainted with businesses that might intrigue you in the future and extend your “rolodex”

5.    Chair something!
Purpose: To increase your visibility and show your skills and talents to those who may not know you