My favorite tip happens at 1:50 on the video. In case you missed it, that key piece of advice was to call speakers in advance and schedule a lunch. It’s a bold move but not a bad one. If you are remotely comfortable with the phone, pick it up and get to know someone. On the other hand, she says to bring only five business cards. Uh…yeah…don’t do that. [Read more]

When you’re networking in-person, follow ups need to be gentile and varied to make sure you aren’t seen as a stalker or the “creepy person that won’t stop calling.” If you’ve tried calling someone a few times and aren’t getting a response, wait a week and follow up via e-mail or a short, personalized note or postcard. Don’t keep trying the same thing when it isn’t working. [Read more]

Friends tend to think that they can ask for all the free advice in the world because, you know, you’re friends. Unfortunately there are limits to any relationship and you don’t want to be in a position where you are testing the limits of your friendship with someone else. Keep the lines of communication open and ask your friend how they feel about what you are asking. Even by asking you are reducing the risk for misunderstanding, because it shows you care. [Read more]

It’s really ironic that the reason Lehman is in so much trouble is because they wouldn’t talk to anyone. Merrill Lynch was purchased by Bank of America, because they were open and BoA knew what they were buying. WaMU was purchased by JP Morgan Chase for the same reason. No one will buy Lehman because they are standing with arms crossed and mouth closed, not sharing what percentage of loans they have are good and bad. Bad communication makes for bad networking makes for no one wanting to help you out when you really need it. [Read more]

People want to get along. It’s human nature. But pretending to be doing better than you really are, or worse than you really are, in order to sympathize or “fit in” with the rest of the group isn’t going to get you anywhere. There are ways to say you’re looking for clients, and there are ways to say you are doing great without getting on anyone’s bad side. Just keep the conversation you’re having on track and don’t derail by overreacting. [Read more]