| Networking skills are an absolute must for people | | | | Even if you're one of those people who actually |
| who wants to grow their business. And the key is | | | | can pay attention when they seem to be |
| the word "skills." Networking requires specific skills, | | | | preoccupied with other things, maintaining eye |
| and many of them are basically social skills. Read | | | | contact will be worth your while. Don't just pay |
| on for how you can improve your networking | | | | attention, but make sure the other person knows |
| success by polishing your social skills. | | | | that you're paying attention. And eye contact is |
| Social skills help us connect with others, and that's | | | | the traditional way to show it. |
| what we need to do during networking. Some of | | | | 3. Repeat the other person's name |
| them are mostly a matter of awareness and | | | | In a conversation, be sure to repeat the other |
| paying attention, while others take real practice. | | | | person's name. It will make them feel very much |
| Either way, the more often you do something, | | | | acknowledged. It will also help you remember their |
| the more it will become second nature. So make | | | | name. There are a lot of quotes about how much |
| an effort to do the following five things regularly, | | | | people love the sound of their own name. The |
| and watch the results you'll get. | | | | thing is - it's true. |
| 1. Remember to say "please" and especially "thank | | | | 4. Support others |
| you." | | | | Whenever you find yourself talking with someone, |
| Saying "please" and "thank you" may be so basic | | | | pay close attention. That's true especially if that |
| that you don't think it even falls under social skill | | | | person is new and possibly a prospect, but it's |
| but instead is common courtesy. Be that as it | | | | common courtesy in any case. Listen with an |
| may, courtesy is so important that it deserves to | | | | open mind, and look for ways in which you can |
| be listed here, and it's a large part of what makes | | | | help him or her. |
| up good social skills. | | | | 5. Repeat something they've said recently |
| 2. Make proper eye contact | | | | When you've had a conversation with someone |
| Making eye contact frequently and appropriately | | | | and talk to them again, repeat something they've |
| can make the difference between coming across | | | | said. Ask them about something specific to follow |
| as likable -- and not. Look at the person when | | | | up. It shows them that you paid close attention, |
| you're speaking with him or her, but without | | | | and they will appreciate that. |
| staring, and pay close attention. | | | | |