Etiquette is a powerful tool for developing and refining your soft skills, and it can be beneficial in setting yourself apart in the workforce and social life.

When networking, soft skills and etiquette training – such as understanding how to properly greet someone, make small talk and assert yourself in your communication, and hold yourself with presence and poise- are essential for making a good impression.

It is also helpful to be in the right mindset, and preparing yourself by paying attention to these details can help you feel centered and in control which will boost your confidence and enhance your first impression in a networking situation.

I created a few tips on how you can merge your networking with elements of etiquette to build rapport with the people you are networking with!

Focus on Building the Relationship

Business is about relationships, so it is essential when networking to make sure that you don’t rush to pull out your business card and make an ask from the get-go.

Introduce yourself, ask people questions, smile, use niceties and make eye contact. The more positive and personal introduction you have with others will help you connect with people and assist them in remembering how you made them feel listened to. You were engaged and helpful in the conversation. Listen more than you speak, and rather than ask for things, offer your assistance when the time is right.

The stronger your connection with the people you meet, the more they will remember how you made them feel, which will help them in their decision-making process.

Be Prepared

Before you even walk into your networking event, be prepared. Take a deep breath, stand up straight and be ready to make connections with intention and poise!

When the time comes for you to introduce yourself and what you bring to the table, know what you are going to say, have your business cards or literature on your services/product neatly and efficiently placed in your bag. This shows the person that you are organized and easy to work with.

Follow up

Send those people you have connected with or gathered information from a friendly email thanking them for the conversation and expressing to them how interested you are in their services or products or their business/relationship. Express that you want to connect with them, give them your information, and provide them with ways they can contact or keep you in mind.

This simple business etiquette tip will set you apart from the crowd and show your interest and thoroughness with your potential client or company.

Stay In Touch

If the people you meet do not use your services or hire you for a position, don’t worry, networking is the long game. After a reasonable amount of time has passed, check in with your contacts and try to schedule a time to reconnect and stay on their mind. Understand how business is going for them and be engaged and empowered by their stories! Staying in contact is about building relationships and staying at the forefront of their minds! This will be one of your most potent networking etiquette tips, and I feel most people could utilize this skill more to their advantage in an empowering and positive way!

Which business etiquette or networking tips resonate with you the most? Do you have any tried and true networking tips that work every time? I would love to hear from you.