ETP Manhattan

From Empowering Today's Professionals (ETP) Network's Lamplighter Newsletter

• When meeting someone or attending a meeting, always be on time.
• If you can contribute – offer to help.
• Ask permission first before you disclose sources of your information or contact.
• If it can help others – share information that you learned during networking.
• Inform your contacts of your progress.
• Keep your promise if you say you’ll do something.
• Be considerate - Find out the best time of the day that is convenient to contact people.
• Be professional and avoid errors when writing emails or sending letters.
• Before you meet someone, do research so you will be able to ask relevant questions.
• Always dress appropriately, when meeting a contact. Remember, the manner you present yourself will reflect on you and on the person who referred you.
  

1. Arrive on time. Before entering the event, preview the guest list to target at least 2 or 3 people to meet during the event.
2. Introduce yourself – both with first and last name, company affiliation (without titles), and a smile.
3. Offer a firm and friendly handshake.
4. Practice your introduction. Plan an effective way to describe yourself and the products orservices you provide. Avoid long and boring introductions.
5. Exchanges of business cards should be meaningful. Only exchange your card: when a person asks for one or when you offer assistance with something and want them to follow-up with you.
6. Join a group conversation perceptively. Observe and stand quietly for a second or two. Wait for a break in the conversation or for someone in the group to look your way. If no one looks in your direction and everyone continues the conversation without any break or glance in your direction, exit immediately with a polite “excuse me.”
7. Avoid monopolizing people’s time. Avoid having your time from being monopolized by the conversation by saying, “It was a pleasure speaking with you, please excuse me.” Then smile and move on. someone else, as well. After exchanging meaningful information, move graciously from
8. Introduce yourself to your tablemates before taking a seat.
   

1. Follow up with new contacts. Sending a personal handwritten note – by regular mail within 24 to 48 hours – to every contact you met and connected is the best. Emailing and placing a personal phone call is also appropriate.
2. Keep your promises to the contacts you made.
3. Obtain permission from the people concerned before sharing information. When you have gotten overall permission to share someone’s information, send an email to both parties, stating: “I am referring Ana Smith to John Adams, in hopes that you two may be of service to each other. “ Then include full contact information of both people. This way every one is properly informed.