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World Wide Group™

World Wide Group™

Networking Etiquette

A group of people sit at a picnic table, talking. The camera is focused on one person's hand that holds a pen, hovering over a yellow pad of lined paper.

How do you prepare for a networking event? What are the dos and don'ts for starting conversations with new people? And how do you make sure that your networking efforts are actually helping you make progress?

Whether you’re a brand-new business owner, or you’ve been at it for years, we could all use a refresher on the magic of working with, and meeting, new people. We’ll show you how to meet people where they’re at and network like a pro to take your business to the next level. 💯

A brunette woman wearing a light pink shirt sits at a white table, smiling while talking to someone sitting across from her.

Know your stuff.

Striking up a conversation with someone new is tough. Make it easier on yourself by doing your research before picking up the phone or meeting up with someone new! Can you find out if you have anything in common with this person? Do you know any of the same people? Make the extra effort to learn all you can about someone before making contact—it’ll go a long way! 

A man wearing a gray jacket and a white button-up shirt has his hand across his body on his neck, smiling while another man talks to him.

Be a good listener.

You’ve got a business you’re passionate about, and you want to shout it from the rooftops! Rather than walking into a networking event and starting to spout off information about your products and services right away, start by giving others the chance to speak. Don’t look for ways to make the conversation about you … keep the focus on them. Show them that you’re truly interested in what they’re saying. Need a little help improving your active listening skills? Read this post!  

A black dog stares at the camera, holding a bright blue card in its mouth that says "Just to Say Thank You" in white letters with a pink line underneath the text.

Say "thank you."

Mind your manners! A simple “thank you” shows people that you appreciate them taking the time to talk with you. And it turns out, gratitude might just make you a more desirable person to work with (read up on the research behind this, here). 

A blonde woman sits on a couch, wearing a navy blazer, black shirt, and circular eyeglasses, while smiling as she talks to someone on her pink cell phone.

Keep it casual.

Nobody wants to work with the person who only reaches out to others when they need something—so, don’t be that person! Author Karen Wickre developed a concept called “keeping in loose touch.” The idea is that you reach out to people just often enough to keep a casual relationship without overwhelming them. That way, if you really need something from someone down the road, it won’t feel random when you reach out and ask for it. Learn all about making this technique work for you, here! 

A man wearing dark pants, a blue jacket, and a black wristwatch walks while carrying a brown leather computer bag in his left hand.

Be professional.

This is the golden rule of networking. Even if the conversation starts to go south or you don’t get the results you were hoping for, always keep your professionalism in check. Use this list for pointers: 

Now, it’s time for you to get out there and make those connections! Networking is an important part of any business, but it’s nothing to stress about. You’ll find it easier to make connections when you keep it classy, keep it positive, and, most importantly, have fun with it! 

Summer is here! But don't let the distractions of this season keep you from making strides toward your business goals.

Read this post to get your momentum back.
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