10 tricks to help you start a business acquaintances

1. Sign emails

It is important. Good signature - it's like a business card, awarded at the appropriate moment. Some people use the space for signature in their email-client, only to bring back "Sincerely, Vasily Petrov." More useless applications that function and can not come up with.

Create high-quality signature. It should be your full name, title and telephone number. Email can not write - he still appears in the "From". But the picture in the signature place is worth. researchWhat makes an image memorable? They show that we tend to remember the image of other people, so that the photo will attract the attention of the recipient and make him keep in the memory of your face. And, of course, social networks icons also will come in handy.

And if you are using an Apple smartphone to send mail, turn on the phrase "Sent from iPhone» signature. Researchers from Stanford University foundSent from My iPhone: The Medium and Message as Cues of Sender Professionalism in Mobile TelephonyThat it convinces people in your professionalism. Unfortunately, this is not roll with Android.

2. Take notes

Mike Skanlin, CEO of Born To Sell, recommendsHow to Build Better Business Relationships maintain detailed records of all whom you meet. No matter where you do it - in a smartphone or notebook. Importantly, do not miss important points: what the man what his hobbies, what he is strong.

When you return to the office, transfer those notes to your address book or contacts application. And later, when you need someone to help, just type in the keyword search - "Sailing", "wireless" or "French", and find all of their friends, their respective. Write down information about people, and they are useful to you years later.

Mike Skanlin

Cases where you can see the name and number of a person in his notebook, and can not remember who he is and how you turned out to be in contact, are common. And keeping your notes will help to avoid this.

Also, you may need a calendar with notes about the holidays and special occasions: it never hurts to congratulate a friend on his birthday or anniversary. Fortunately, social network and messengers give us that opportunity.

3. Maintain order in their social networks

If you meet some person who is interested in cooperation, the first thing he will do - is try to dial your name on Google. Try to keep the appearance of the Internet was as decent as in reality.

Update your profile on sites where painted your professional dignity. And always keep this information up to date. It would be foolish if you ask about the company in which you are already a couple of years of not working, but it is still listed in the database. Make a normal avatar. People distrust to profiles without photos.

And make sure that all the information you post about yourself in the network, characterized only by you the positive side.

4. Stick to the rules 48 hours

Elizabeth Gore, president and chairman of the company Hello Alice, advisesThe 5 Best Ways to Make Business Connections, According to Master Networkers Remember the so-called rule of 48 hours. After a business meeting, conference, or even a small talk over a cup of coffee it creates in the calendar reminder for the next two days of contact with new acquaintances.

You can discuss the past or conversation thank you for meeting or appoint a new one. According to Gore said that if you do not have a chat again in the next 48 hours, a person may give the impression that you are not particularly interested in getting to know him.

Lisa Curtis, founder of the company Kuli Kuli, holds the same opinion:

I am always surprised how many people collect business cards and then not use them ever. Immediately contact your new friends at the first opportunity. If you send a letter to him, it should not be like the automatically generated message.

Lisa Curtis

5. Prepare for the meeting in advance

More Elizabeth Gore argues that before trying to make contact in person, it is necessary to know a person in advance. For example, search for information about him and his company on the Internet, or to learn something from mutual friends. She calls it a "homework".

Try to keep the benefit was two-sided. When you approach someone, you should already know that you can offer this person to your interaction has been beneficial. And memorable.

Elizabeth Gore

Sometimes useful connections are formed completely by accident, but still do not need to rely on luck alone. Get an idea with whom will talk in advance, you will have more chances to tie business conversation, and not just to exchange remarks about the weather.

6. Listen more than talk

Business Consultant Alisa Cohn saysHow to Build Better Business RelationshipsThat the best way to please their new business acquaintances - to be a good listener. Therefore, in person or in telephone conversations, try to give the interlocutors to talk.

Oddly enough, the ability to listen to highlights your strengths much stronger than talkativeness. I worked with a financial advisor and studied that most customers appreciate it. Yes, they appreciate his advice, professionalism and skills, but it has many financiers. Much more valued customers the ability to listen to their concerns. And even said that he is better than a psychiatrist.

Alice Cohn

In general, if you are interested in fruitful cooperation - try sincerely interested in what you say.

7. Focus on the quality of dating rather than on their quantity

Brent Ksutoras, director of marketing in the company PeakActivity, claims10 Business Pros Share Their Best Networking TipsThat it is better to concentrate on one important contact with a person who you can be really useful, than to keep a lot of talk, which came to nothing lead.

During the conversation, identify people with whom communication is given to you of course, are open, intelligent and familiar with your industry. Then take the time to fix the connection, such as for business lunches. A single important acquaintance, after which you really know a person is much more valuable than some minor connections.

Brent Ksutoras

8. Learn to remember names

Very embarrassing situation: you meet a person with whom had seen the name on the tip of your tongue, but remember to take it you can not. Asks awkward, and carry on a conversation without naming a familiar name, even worse.

90% of the clients that I work with, they say that they do not remember the names. But this is the key to creating a network of business contacts. In the end, it is difficult to properly communicate, calling the interlocutor only "you". Therefore, when we first met, ensure that the right to hear the name, and say it immediately. For example, saying, "Nice to meet you, Jim," or "Tell me how you work in a bank, Jim."

Mindy Lokard, etiquette consultant

Train your memory to avoid embarrassment.

9. Do not talk only about work

If you talk to novopriobretonnym familiar only about sales, transactions and charts, he may get the impression that you want to use. Show people that you are interesting in themselves. In the words of Roosevelt, a direct route to the heart of man - it is a conversation with him about the subjects closest to his heart.

Do not be afraid to seem spontaneous. Let people see who you are. This builds trust and respect. Be too professional - it means to be a bore. As a result, communication with you will not bring pleasure.

Amy Lyudvigson, Sales Director of the company Pure Citizen

Talk to new friends about his hobbies or tell us about your. Offer to meet in an informal setting. For example, if the person loves horses, go with him to the racetrack. So you show that you are interested in personality man, and not the benefit that it can bring.

10. Be honest

Despite the fact that the show like a pro and stay with dignity is important, even more important when meeting to be honest and not to exaggerate their achievements.

I remember my meeting with representatives of companies, which then became my best clients. I was asked about the experience in their industry, which I did not yet exist. I would say that is familiar with their industry. Instead, I will admit that I have no experience, but it can even be useful - a fresh look and everything. And, to my surprise, inquiring smiled and nodded to me friendly. They appreciated my honesty. And it laid the foundation for a good relationship.

Amy Harcourt, Director Definitive Marketing

Do not be afraid to admit your weaknesses and accept criticism. Honesty is appreciated more than you think.