Being Prepared

The Boy Scout slogan of "Be Prepared" couldn't be more appropriate today. And it applies to networking more than we ever thought.

Knowing who you are talking with and their background and business makes you memorable during your conversation. Let's say you are going to meet a new contact for coffee. How do you prepare?

For example, taking a few moments to look at their website is worth the time. Also consider these ideas:

• Review the LinkedIn profile of your meeting partner. See who have in common in your networks.
• Write up a list of questions and even refer to it during your meeting (most effective in interviews).
• Again from LinkedIn: ask your common connections about the person you are connecting with. You might learn something interesting to bring up in conversation.
• Review why you are having the meeting. What's in it for both of you?
• Consider the groups or people you might refer your meeting partner to. Then do it after the meeting.
• Review their connections and ask for an introduction.

There are other things. I'm off to a leads group today and will have the opportunity to practice these ideas. I'll let you know how it goes.

Relentless