But a busy social schedule can be the ideal opportunity for business networking. According to Karl Smith, founder of Business Network South Africa networking is an important tool for people that have a job and the unemployed. Smith has offered some guidelines to optimise peoples’ networking skills. *Be strategic about the events you attend. “Strategically plan to be at parties where you know key decision-makers or those who have influence on them will be,” he said. He added that people should not only focus on mingling with the top brass of a company at events, explaining that they are not usually involved in the company’s day-to-day hiring or promotions. “Make a positive impression on everyone you meet so you will be memorable long after the event is over,” he advised. *Make introductions in a natural and conversational manner. He added that it can be helpful to practise and perfect the art of introducing oneself but “try to avoid sounding like you’re reading a script”. According to Smith, listening and asking simple questions to engage general conversation is the key to ‘schmoozing’. *Do not merely collect and distribute business cards. “Simply collecting cards does not allow you to create the on-ramp to building the relationship, making it more difficult to arrange any kind of follow-up meeting. Establish a connection first.” *Once a contact has been made, building a relationship is important. “As you nurture these contacts, you’ll interact with them more and more. It might start out with a few emails back and forth,” he explained. “But if it feels right [you think the person will be receptive], invite your new contact out for coffee. Your objective here is not to ask for a job, but rather to get advice.” *Speaking negatively about a current employer can reflect poorly with potential employers. “It never serves you well to speak poorly of the company, personnel or products with which you have been associated. Others will think twice about adding you to their team for fear of how you might speak of them behind their backs,” Smith warned. *Alcohol can hamper attempts to make a good impression. Smith suggested following the ‘drinking rules’ by eating enough to balance the alcohol intake. “You could also alternate non-alcoholic drinks with alcoholic ones. Impressions count. Make the right one.” *Send holiday cards. “Bypass the pre-printed, sterile ones. Take the time to sign your name and write a short personal note,” he said.
