With so many networking mixers and venues popping up nationwide one would wonder if true professional connections can be made at such events or if “Networking” has become one more way of simply, socializing. This isn’t the case for some savvy professional networkers such as those in attendance at the Networking for Professionals “Shakers and Stirrers” event at the Brew Haus in Farmingdale, New York. On Tuesday, September 22, participants came armed with punchy elevator pitches, business cards and tons of enthusiasm. This highly focused and driven mix of CPAs, salespersons, business owners, financial advisors, and management consultants arrived well equipped with the necessary tools for building lasting professional relationships.

According to Networking Expert, Michael Goldberg of Building Blocks Consulting of Jackson, New Jersey, there are rules to networking and if one doesn’t follow them, danger may be lurking ahead. Some of Mr. Goldberg’s recommendations include:

• Create a target market
• Don’t talk to one person more than 6 – 8 minutes
• Don’t sell, Network
• Introduce others with passion
• Everyone is NOT a prospect

Attendees at Tuesday night’s event appeared to have a handle on the importance of making connections without going out of the proverbial bounds. However, as venues such as these become saturated with eager professionals hungry for opportunities, networkers must differentiate themselves by mastering the rules of Networking and creating a personal brand. In a slow economy, business development is inherently challenging. By crafting a personal brand, professionals can hone in on what makes them the person of choice when a prospect is ready to initiate a buying decision and/or make a referral.

According to Kaplan Mobray author of The 10Ks of Personal Branding, “When you view yourself as a brand you are more capable of managing specific behaviors and actions that drive how people perceive you”. Networkers must realize that prospects buy you, before they purchase your product or service. Professional networkers must be more than business card distributors. In times like these, leading the herd is what is necessary to place networkers in a league of their own. Networking is more than glorified socializing and this week’s Long Island Shakers and Stirrers attendees were ahead of the curve in terms of skill and networking acumen.

Read more about the authors quoted here:

Michael Goldberg
http://www.buildingblocksconsulting.com/

Kaplan Mobray
http://www.kaplanmobray.com/
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-10ks-of-Personal-Branding/Kaplan-Mobray/e/9780595484812/?itm=1