The most common form of networking is to go to events, shake hands, ask the other person’s name and business, then hand over a business card. This is a terrible way to network. A better way to network involves a second handshake. This is accomplished by finding a person at the event who appears interesting and engaging that person in conversation. Instead of asking what the person does, ask how they got into their current business. Find something in common with the other person to build a foundation for a relationship. Ask open ended questions that give the other person an opportunity to speak at length. Show genuine interest. Treat networking in the same manner as starting a new friendship because business relationships are really just relationships between people.
Read more: How to Improve Your Networking Skills
