In business, people are impressed if you can remember their name, and astonished if you recall how you met them in the first place. The person that dazzles us with this talent does so because either they have a great memory or great database. Which do you think it is?
I’d like to say I can recall everyone I have ever met at a networking event, but how can anyone recall someone they may have met 5 months ago? Networking for me has been about 4 keys to success listening, asking, giving and recording. As The Technology Therapist I find that recording is the one piece many networkers neglect.
Recording means a few different things to me. It means keeping a database of everyone I have ever met at an event. But just adding in their general information is not going to help you when you need them or they need you. Take your data recording to the next level. Make a place in your database to keep track of the following items:
1. The event you met them at
2. The date you met them
3. The Industry they fall into
4. Possible synergies / relationship to clients / resource for clients
5. General notes from your conversation
If you’re imputing business cards a day or two after the event, this information should be easy to recall. Many networkers also write on the cards at the event to help jar their memory when they do finally add it to their database. I recommend you create fields that fit your needs, or start by using the few I’ve mentioned above. And if you’re really looking to step-up your networking skills with this key I recommend carrying a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) with all the data you recorded. I give people information or leads in person, rather than sending it when you get back to the office. My notes tell me which people in my database are open to introductions and which are not.
In 2006 try to take your networking to the next level and astonish people with your memory. It will be our secret that it’s really just your database.
This is Jennifer Shaheen, The Technology Therapist, with your technology tip of the week.
