<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Cut the Crap and Start Networking! </strong> </span></p>
<p>Tips by Dana Manciagli</p>
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<p><b>Face-to-Face Networking</b></p>
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<p align="right"><b>Social Media Networking</b></p>
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<p>Be hands free so you can shake hands and take notes.</p>
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<p align="right">Always be formal and professional. Don’t talk using two thumbs.</p>
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<p>Arrive early. Be the first to meet many great people.</p>
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<p align="right">Research first, prior to reaching out. Read their LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.</p>
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<p>Have plenty of business cards.  Personal or business. Vistaprint.com, Moo.com, Avery labels at home.</p>
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<p align="right">On Facebook, check for a fan page (business) vs. personal page.</p>
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<p>Have a purpose, a goal. Rehearse and repeat it. Job-seeking, Partnerships, Learning how to grow my business, etc.</p>
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<p align="right">Just because you connect on LinkedIn or Facebook, you are not networking. Engage in a conversation!</p>
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<p>Listen more than you talk.</p>
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<p align="right">Proof read all written communications, even social media. These are writing samples!</p>
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<p>Precision follow-up. Get to your PC, enter the information, send a note and schedule another.</p>
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<p align="right">Have a purpose. Be clear on what help you need and ask how you can help them. Networking is 2-way or it’s called <b><i>“USING”</i></b></p>
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<p>If you invite someone to coffee or lunch, you pay!</p>
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<p align="right">Networking   is long term; put follow up time in your calendar to keep them posted, stay   in touch or it’s called <b><i>“USING”</i></b>  </p>
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<p>Work the room. Peel away from friends and don’t spend too much time with one new person.</p>
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<p align="right">Participate in their discussions, like their pages; be gracious with gestures that help them grow.</p>
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<p>No excuse of <i>“I’m an introvert”.</i> You are all good at this!</p>
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<p align="right">Send them articles that may be of interest to them based on your conversations.</p>
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