Networking Etiquette

By: Keisha White
Antonelli College Cincinnati, OH
Career Services

Building your personal brand has become an imperative factor in promoting yourself to hiring managers, employers, and potential clients. One facade of building your trademark is networking and building your connections. Networking should be done online or offline by following appropriate etiquette which can help build upon your reputation and character.

As you worked hard to network online and build your online brand, you should work harder to build it offline. Your personality online should be the same away from the computer screen. Introduce yourself with a firm handshake, perfect your 30-second elevator pitch, and make it creative and memorable. Have business cards handy to pass out to those you network with. When meeting professionals at a networking event try to connect with them online as well so they don’t forget who you are later on.

Dress in suitable attire for the event. If you are not sure what the dress code is for a networking event, over-dress for the occasion. It would be disturbing to have your personal brand take a dive because all they could remember is what you wore to an event.

Networking goes both ways! Know that it is not always about your overall agenda. Provide assistance to your future connection. Stay in contact with your connections. Send e-mails or call them to chat. Sharing articles and information can help build your reputation as a trustworthy professional or as a person your contacts can go to for information. Be truthful in the information you share. Those you are connecting with will know if your intentions are not for real and end up putting a dent in your personal brand.

Remember, what you say and what you do in a room full of professionals or on Facebook can have a lasting effect on your image. How you present yourself to future connections can help or hinder with a future job lead or a new client.

Have questions regarding networking etiquette? Please contact Keisha White at keisha.white@antonellicollege.edu.