I used to hate networking, but not anymore.

This article was submitted by Michelle Gartner, of Gartner Web Development.

This weekend I will be actually meeting with Chris for the first time in person. He and I will both will be attending Affiliate Summit 2008 West in Las Vegas, February 24th- 26th. I feel very fortunate to be attending since this year’s conference is sold out. The only tickets now available are being sold on eBay. You might not know this, but after finding out Chris had applied for and been approved for a free press pass to Affiliate Summit, I immediately had to check out the Affiliate Summit website. When I saw all the great companies and speakers involved- I knew I had to attend as well. As I am writing this to you I have been receiving emails daily with opportunities to meet and greet both business owners and representatives from some of the other companies that will be in attendance. I am very excited about the prospect of meeting with so many companies and individuals in affiliate marketing and internet advertising- but did you know several years ago I didn’t enjoy networking?

Networking can be intimidating, not just for so called shy or introverted people. There are very few people I have found that have a lot of natural, innate confidence to just walk up to people and talk about their business or website. For some people it’s even very difficult to introduce themselves to others. Complicating this is the fact that when we do most of our work online- it can actually hinder our ability to effectively network and market our online business in person. However hard it might be for you to network offline it’s vital to the health of your online business.

If you recall from Chris’ Core Habits for Internet Marketers, Networking was #3 in his list. So, here are just a few tips I have learned over the years for better networking.

Be prepared to network wherever you are.

Networking opportunities don’t just happen at business events. Many opportunities to network occur when going about our day to day personal tasks outside of the home or office. Before going out in the world, think about your business and what you might say to someone with whom you might network with. It might seem elementary, but if you aren’t networking frequently it wouldn’t hurt to mentally rehearse what you might say to someone in regards to your business. Not only does mental rehearsal give you a clear plan of action- but it can help you over the hurdle of shyness or having a mental block when an unplanned networking opportunity occurs.

Have the necessary materials to network with you.

I can’t remember the last time I left my home without business cards. Too, my husband Jerry always has a stack of company brochures in the trunk of our car. Having materials with you at all times, insures that the person you contacted about your business can reach you or log on to your website in the near future. Not only does having marketing materials give your new contact a way to get in touch with you later, but handing out marketing materials can help you expound on the ideas you are verbalizing to the person you are networking with. This is especially important if you or the other person is pressed for time and the contact is brief.

When networking treat others as you would like to be treated.

Carefully listen to the person you are networking with it. People can tell when you are not listening to them or not interested in what they have to say to you. Reciprocate the interest they are showing you and your business. Don’t interrupt a person talking unless, you absolutely need clarification at that moment. Whatever you do please don’t rush the person through the conversation so that you can turn the focus to your business. Networking is about building trust in business and relationships- not about having your way and the last word.

There’s a vast wealth of information on the internet regarding networking. If you feel networking is not your strong point, it would be a great time to read up on networking or even public speaking. After reading more about business networking start putting what you’ve learned into action. First mentally rehearse what you might say about your business when networking. At the same time develop your print marketing materials to compliment your new skill set. Practice what you might say about your business on friends and family who are hopefully non-threatening. Graduate to small local groups and keep moving from there. Before you know it you’ll be making new connections and networking your online business to everyone you meet.