The timing is of the utmost importance with your networking follow-up. It is best to follow up as soon as possible after your meeting. Your contact will notice how long after you meet it took them to receive a follow-up. This can influence their decision of whether or not to continue their relationship with you. Therefore, you should contact them within 24 hours after your initial meeting while your interaction is still fresh in their memory.

People love to talk about themselves and their business. Reaching out to a prospect and showing an interest in their company helps them feel appreciated. In your email, you can comment about nearly anything they have done recently to promote their business.

Another way to add value to your networking is to introduce people to one another. Find some people in your network who are in the same industry and share common interests and business goals. If you do this over time, you will be known as a person who is a “hub” for your network—a crucial link that brings people together.

It is critical to remember that your first impression will shape your relationships permanently. You will be judged by people in a matter of seconds, so make that first impression count. Practice some thoughtful communication techniques and create a way to introduce yourself that will make you stand out but in a positive and constructive light.

Networking groups allow people from many different industries the chance to get together. There are at least a few networking groups that take place in your area on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis. Many of these groups have specific activities planned for these events, or group members may plan the agenda. These groups pose a great opportunity to improve your networking strategy because it enables you to meet professionals in your local community to grow your network. Your new local colleagues can also become future networking buddies and meet up with you at future events that are at a national or international level.

You can use gesturing to make yourself a more dynamic presence, but don’t overdo it. If you do it the correct way, you can use your hands to accentuate what you are saying. If you do it excessively, e.g. talking with your hands, it can be counterproductive and be a distraction that can make you look unprofessional and neurotic.

Just like an employer should have credibility and trust with his employees, you should have this trust within your network. Credibility and trustworthiness can be the greatest assets to a small business entrepreneur. If you establish credibility in your industry, it can significantly empower your success. People will want to seek you out as a source of valuable information.

To become an active listener, you must block out all distractions around you. You will have to pay close attention to the details the other person is speaking about. Then you will need to take a brief pause and respond in a relevant way. Remember that listening is not exactly the same as agreeing with someone. The other person will notice that you are a good listener and, in turn, will respect your views because you took the time to listen to theirs.

If you are someone who gets nervous before speaking to anyone in a business setting, practicing public speaking techniques can help you improve your networking skills. If you can practice and master public speaking to the point where you are articulate and more at ease in front of a group, communicating one-on-one will be much easier.

Interview skills are a vital element of networking. These interview skills are helpful in many situations, not just in journalism or public relations. If you speak to your conversation partner in the Q&A format, for example, it will help you develop your listening skills, which will determine what your next question may be. This skill is essential to conducting good interviews and networking.