After last week’s sensational guide to coffee, I have decided to keep doing guides reminding you all how to really get ahead in business. This week I’m chagging (‘chatting’ but with your g’s) about networking, which is when people meet while constantly having their phones out.
Why should I network?
Networking is used by businesses in order to create relationships with other businesses. Sometimes, having a good product or offering a good service just won’t do, so it’s important to lie to other business people in order to look good. Lord Alan Sugars from The Apprentice hasn’t ever really said anything about networking but, if he didn’t like it, he would definitely say “YOU’RE SACKED, BABY!” to it.
Who should I network to?
Old people. Everybody knows the future of big business is the elderly. At the end of the day, it’s their money that young people eventually spend on small-to-moderate businesses, so they should be targeted hard and fast. Do this by making a beeline for a codger as soon as you step in the room. If you can gain their trust, they may even end up investing in your business. Two words: Be aggressive.
What is the best network
Super Emirates Mobile 2000. (It’s from Qatar).
When is the best time to network
When they are weak! Hahaha, just a half-joke! It’s best to go in at the beginning of the networking event, then at the end, and a little bit in the middle. NEVER approach anybody on the quarter-hour (check out Jobs-Rimn 1991 for a case study).
What should I wear?
Wear a nice shirt. Something that says who you are. That being said, avoid nametags. Don’t wear a cheap shirt; you’re applying for future business relations, not a debt consolidation loan. What’s more, if you stain your pants with a drink or something, don’t change them. It makes you look human.
That’s all for now. Next time I’ll be telling you all how to use Twitter in a way that doesn’t embarrass God!
