Ten Commandments of Superior Networking for Registered Dietitians
As the Fall conference/symposium season approaches (FNCE is just close to the corner)
, do you suffer from "Butterfly-itis" at the very mention of networking at professional/business functions? If you responded yes, you are not on your own! Numerous Registered Dietitians and other nutrition specialists find a bit uneasy in the event that it comes suitable down to walking up to somebody and beginning a conversation. Many others are concerned about getting effective results from the time they spend networking. The procedure does not needs to be distressing, scary, or a total waste of time. If done correctly, it can really make a difference in the amount of business you or your facility generates. With the proper tactic, you can utilize it to develop a wealth of resources and contacts which will guide to make you very successful.
Whether you have ones own own nutrition consulting business, you work for a facility, or you manage one, use the following Ten Commandments to help you network your way through ones own next professional/networking event:
1. Have the tools to network with you at all times
These include an informative name badge, business cards, brochures about your business, and a pocket-sized business card file containing cards of other professionals whom you can refer.
2. Set a goal for the number of people you'll meet
Identify a reachable goal based upon attendance and the type of group. If you feel inspired, set a goal to meet 15-20 people and make sure you receive all their cards. If you don't feel consequently hot, shoot for less. In either case, don't leave until you've met your goal.
3. Act like a host, not a guest
A host is expected to do things for others, while a guest sits back and relaxes. Volunteer to help greet people. If you see visitors sitting, introduce yourself and ask if they would probably like to meet others. Act as a conduit.
4. Listen and ask questions
Remember that a useful networker has two ears and one mouth and uses them proportionately. After you've learned what another person does, tell them what you do. Be specific, but brief. Don't assume they know an individual's business.
5. Don't try to close a deal
Professional/business events are not meant to be a vehicle to hit on potential clients to buy your products or services. Networking is about developing relationships with other professionals. Meeting people at events should be the beginning of that process, not the end of it.
6. Give referrals whenever possible
The best networkers believe in the givers gain philosophy (what goes around, comes round). If I help you, you'll help me and we'll both do better as a result of it. In other words, if you don't genuinely attempt to help the people you meet, then you are not networking expertly. If you can't give someone a bona fide referral, try to offer some information that might be of interest to them (such as details about an upcoming event).
7. Exchange business cards
Ask each person you meet for two cards - one to pass on to someone else and one to keep. This sets the stage for networking to happen.
8. Manage your time efficiently
Spend ten minutes or less with each person you meet and don't linger with friends or associates (you already know them!). If your goal is to meet a given number of people, be careful not to spend too much time with virtually any one person. In cases where you meet someone interesting with whom you'd like to speak further, set up an appointment for a later date.
9. Write notes on the backs of business cards you collect
Record anything you think may be useful in remembering each person more clearly. This will come in handy whenever you follow-up on each contact.
10. Follow-up!
You can obey the previous nine commandments religiously, but if you don't follow-up effectively, you will have wasted an individual's time. Drop a note, email, or give a call to each person you've met. Be sure to fulfill just about any promises you've made.
As a leading staffing firm focused on placing Registered Dietitians in temporary and long-term contract roles as consultant Dietitians in hospitals, long-term care, and other facilities, our ability to network is critical to our being successful. Like Dietitians On Demand, these Ten Commandments may guide you down a path of making every conference/symposium and networking event you attend this year even more fruitful.
Called the father of modern networking by CNN, Dr. Ivan Misner is a New York Times bestselling author. He is the founder and chairman of BNI (www.bni.com), the world's largest business networking organization. His latest book, Networking Like a Pro, can be viewed at www.IvanMisner.com. Dr. Misner is also the Sr. Partner for the Referral Institute (www.referralinstitute.com), an international referral training company. He can be reached at misner@bni.com.
Ten Commandments of Superior Networking for Registered Dietitians
By: Craig Allison
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