Professional networking requires diligent follow-up.

It is crucial that you remain in contact with your prospects in between meetings. You can call them or send emails. If people you meet through professional networking seem like they are really good influencers, referrals, or both, then suggest getting together at the diner for a cup of coffee, meeting for breakfast, or playing a round of golf. If you fail to follow up with the contacts you make when you are professional networking you will lose their business to your savvy competitors who are keeping in touch.

When professional networking, always look for ways to help the person.

Your professional networking should never send a message that says, "me, me, me." Ask about the other person's problems. Use your professional networking time to understand what they are going through. Make a real impression by figuring out a solution and offering your assistance.

Never put off professional networking because you don't have marketing collateral.

So many new IT consultants obsess about their marketing collateral. When you are professional networking, no one cares whether you have an 8 page glossy brochure or one you designed yourself and printed at the local copy shop. As long as you have a simple web page that you can direct your contacts to, your professional networking will go just fine.

When professional networking always dress, well, professional.

Dress to suit the event - informal events require business casual wear and formal events require suits for men and suits, skirts, or dresses for women.

Wear a custom name tag when you are professional networking.

Instead of just using the magic marker handwritten name tag that you are supplied with at the professional networking event, have a plastic name tag with your logo made up. This enhances your brand, it looks neat and crisp, and is something that will make you stand out.

The Bottom Line on Professional Networking

Professional networking is an excellent way to make business contacts that have the potential to turn into clients. You will encounter many opportunities for professional networking and by using the tips presented, your efforts should pay off immensely. Stay tuned for the second set of tips for even more professional networking success.

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