19 Networking Tips I'm Sick Of Hearing

I thought this was a new spin on common advice.

Nice take Anum!

Ev

Blah Blah Blah ...
19 Networking Tips I'm Sick Of Hearing
 
 by Anum Hussain

Here's the thing: I have a personal vendetta against 99% of the networking content on the internet.
Every piece regurgitates the same pointers on perfecting business cards. Every article repeats outdated advice on how to work a room. That's why, for the past few months, I've attempted to surface real, actionable methods for building relationships. I've gathered stories on hustling for connections, uncovered email templates that trigger responses, and more.
But today I'm taking a break from all that. Instead I'm going to have some fun by featuring just about every tip you've already heard.
So if you're looking to be an old school networker and bask in some awkward fun while neglecting how social conversations have evolved over the past ten years ... then this 18-step process is for you. Shall we enjoy it together?

Step 1: Research a few people you want to connect with prior to the event.

Step 2: Eat a proper meal to avoid chatting fatigue.

Step 3: Learn big, fancy words to impress people with.

 Step 4: Take a moment to boost your self-esteem before working a room.

Step 5: Don't be afraid to enter the room. You went there to network afterall.

Step 6: Approach someone new and say hello.

Step 7: Give them a firm handshake so they know you mean business.

Step 8: Then employ the buddy system to divide and conquer.

Step 9: Keep your introductions brief and to-the-point.

Step 10: Look really interested even when you have no idea what someone is saying.

Step 11: If that doesn't work, just sprinkle in pop culture references.

Step 12: If all else fails, say something super inspirational to sound super smart.

Step 13: Just make sure you're not the jerk on the phone the whole time.

Step 14: Don't be afraid to admit when a conversation isn't benefiting you.

Step 15: Know when to end the conversation.

Step 16: Hand out your perfectly polished business cards to stay in touch.

Step 17: Send professionally-written follow up notes to everyone you meet.

Step 18: If they ignore you, keep following up. Don't stop until they respond.

 Step 19: And of course, dress to impress for post-conference parties.

Tired of all these so-called tips, too?
If you're looking for modern, effective networking pointers, I recommend these posts that over 35,000 people have already found helpful:

• 19 Subject Lines Stats Impacting Our Email Open Rates 
• Here's My Free Template For Tracking Personal Connections
• How I Identify The Right People For My Professional Network