A Special Page Created Exclusively for YPN Members
Networking Skills
BEFORE:
Know your objective
Every interaction is a little improvisation scene. Show up knowing what your intention is, and act in alignment with that intention.
DURING:
Don’t be afraid to initiate – act with intention
Be BFFS!
Begin:
o “I have a gift for you”
o “I want to meet you; you are awesome”
o “I am curious about…”
o “You delight me…”
o “We’re in this together; I want to know how you’re doing…”
Find something of interest:
o Be curious
o Everything is an offer
Fertilize the common value:
o Stay curious
o Listen for value – even if you’re an expert
o Seek common goals
Say “So long”
o Authenticity – Be honest about ending the conversation
o Acknowledgment – Express appreciation for your conversational partner
o Investment – Make the appropriate level of commitment to next steps
AFTER:
Follow Up and Stay In Touch!
"Your network is only as strong as your ability to keep connections with people, even when they are no longer of use to you."
---Partner, Grant Thornton