Social Networking Skills Covering The Social Networking World

The basics of business networking are truly that… Basic. Unfortunately many would be networkers drop the ball on the most important and fundamental elements of a successful networking effort.

Doing what you say you’re going to do is probably the most critical element of networking. Without getting into some other obvious cheeseball moves it really is critical. Without it you will lose all credibility. Without credibility I promise you won’t be receiving any of those referrals you were hoping for.

Let’s start with under promise and over deliver. I can’t tell you how often I hear “I’ll call you,” or some other simple promise at a networking event. This is perfectly fine if you’re actually going to call the person. If you don’t have any intention of calling them then it’s time to adopt a new closing comment, not one that destroys your credibility.

I for one have a lowsy memory. Anything I say I’m going to do for someone at a networking event gets written down on the back of their business card. Even my really good friends are used to me asking for one of their cards when they know I already have all of their contact information. It just gives me an opportunity to write a short note as to the referral, introduction, book recommendation or whatever I was going to do for them. Since it’s on the back of their card I also know who I’m going to do it for, and I won’t even have to look up their contact information. Later that day or the next day, depending on the time of the event, I simply review my stack of cards and complete this back of the card to-do list.

Do you have your own system for following-up and making good on your promises?

Here’s a recent personal example. I was referred to a professional recently and we decided to get together for lunch. He did everything right from the beginning. From calling and setting the appointment to showing up on time for lunch. I was truly impressed by this individual through our entire meeting. He made an incredible and lasting first impression and was all about adding value. At the end of our meeting I gave him a referral off the bat, and asked for 2 simple follow-up items that would have meant more business for him almost immediately.

A day goes by… 1 week… 2 weeks… 3 weeks… over a month. Finally I just give up and call him myself. Lame excuse, lame excuse followed by I’ll get you the information.

What could have been was another 5-10 warm introductions from me in a very short period of time. Instead he’ll receive nothing. If he can’t do what he says he’s going to do for me, why would I trust him to do what he says he’s going to do for the people I refer him to?

The difference in this one act of neglect was probably worth tens of thousands of dollars.

What are you telling people you’re going to do but not doing? What is it costing you? It is absolutely critical that you follow-up on your promises. Even the very small mundane details can have a huge impact.

Here’s the great news. Poor follow-up in the world of networking is very common. This is a huge opportunity for you. All you have to do is do what you say you’re going to do consistently and you’ll set yourself apart from the majority of your competition.

Scott Ingram is the founder of NetworkInAustin.com where you can find a huge index of additional Business Networking Tips