Danielle Hatfield

strong, stimulating and brewed fresh daily

  • About
    • Who the hell I am and what I do
    • FAQ
    • Work with me
      • Services
      • Speaking & Training
  • Blog
    • All blog posts
    • Cocktails
    • DIYs
    • Recipes
    • Reviews
    • Social Media
    • Policy
  • Press
  • Contact

Networking Checklist : Do’s and Don’ts of Making Connections

September 18, 2012 By Danielle Hatfield Leave a Comment

Share

Danielle Hatfield's Networking ChecklistNetworking is not just about making contacts, it’s also about discovering mentors and people who inspire us to reach a bit farther than we imagined we could . . . both personally and professionally.

Over the years I have organized and been to my fair share of networking events. There are many that were just simply amazing and yet I’m sad to say that there are still those “black jack business card dealers” who show up a shove a card in your face.

When attending a networking event many people think the best thing for anyone to do is to show up with a stack of business cards and leave with none. . . collecting as many business cards as they can along the way so they can sign you up for  their email newsletter without once reaching out to you personally. Bleckt.

That type of mind set will NOT grow your business or welcome in truly helpful people. It will just make you look like an ass.

To me, if I leave a networking event with one or two cards from people I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and chatting with, it was worth my time. I’m not interested in doling out my hand made cards to just anyone.

For those of you who may not know, I make all of my personal cards and my company’s cards because I want us to be mindful of how we give them out. Knowing how much time goes into making them, I never deal them out like a black jack dealer. But thoughtfully and with intent. (plus I really enjoy being crafty!)

Imagine how you would feel (true story here) if you were at a networking event and someone you hadn’t met yet began making their way around the room shoving cards at people. I asked the person, when they got around to me, why they were giving their cards out in such an abrupt way and the answer was “I’m getting ready to leave and I don’t have time to talk to everyone.” The message here was really “You don’t really matter.”  I call this the spray and pray approach.

Another example of something to leave off your networking checklist is showing up with a bag full of brochures and books. These should be left for a thoughtful follow up with the people you met and exchanged cards with not to be handed out to everyone within arms reach.

So enough with the ‘what not to do’  . . . let’s get down to the business of what SHOULD be on your list shall we?

These are a few things I think everyone should have on their “DO” networking checklist.

  • business cards : remember, give them out thoughtfully and with intent.
  • fully charged phone : keep a charger in your car or better yet get a solar charger.
  • ball point pen or fine point sharpie : these write on slick cards easily
  • breath mints : you can never have enough of these
  • pen to share : always be prepared and have a pen to share
  • smile : does this need an explanation?
  • bump app : for those of you who are eco savy and want to exchange info easily. GREAT for conferences.
  • social id’s of networking group, hashtag and sponsors for easy sharing, posting and tweeting!

When the networking event is over and before you go to bed, take the time to write on each card the date & event (hashtag etc.) of where you met each person.

It’s important that you keep track of these things while they are fresh in your mind.

Also, think about the conversations you had – are there any blog posts that you could write based on your inspirations from your experience at the event?

Be intentional about bringing more helpful people into your life.

Here are some great articles on networking that you may enjoy:

  • 10 Tips for Successful Business Networking
  • 24 networking tips that actually work
  • 7 Tips for Networking
  • An Introvert’s Guide to Networking
  • 7 Tips for Surviving & Thriving at Networking Events

—

What’s on your networking checklist?

 

Content Protection by DMCA.com

Filed Under: Branding, Building Your Professional Personal Brand, Business, Motivational, Success, Uncategorized Tagged With: networking, Networking Checklist, networking tips

About Danielle Hatfield

Owner/Chief Dirt Digger at Experience Farm - DIYs, recipes and sharing my 2 cents on social media

« Facebook and Politics : My Interview with Philip Jones of WFMY
Adventures in Branding : The Journey of Building Brand You »

I love to share recipes, DIYs, and my two cents on social media.

I am also proud to be the Chief Dirt Digger at Experience Farm where I have worked with my partner and husband Brandon Pierce since 2009.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Help me keep my website ad free!

daniellehatfield

I love #DIYs, #recipes, and sharing my 2 cents on social media.

daniellehatfield
I’ve cut and counted 429 4” fabric squares fro I’ve cut and counted 429 4” fabric squares from  #scrapfabric we bought a few years ago.

Fabric for my #handsewn projects is among my favorite #thriftstorefinds. ❤️

These squares will eventually become a snuggly #quilt for our single occupancy media room that was once a walk-in closet. 

It’s helpful having a small room to relax in and read or watch TV. This colorful fabric will be a warm reminder of the fun treasures @thebrandonpierce and I find when we go #thrifting. 

If #CottageLife has taught me anything, it’s to look at every square foot of space in a new way and I love how we are embracing #smallspaceliving. 

This #handsewing project may take a while - my goal is to have it finished by the fall so I can settle in with my knitting, a good movie or documentary and hot cup of coffee. 

.
#handsewing #handsew #cottagestyle #quiltingismytherapy #sewersgonnasew #sewingismytherapy #sewingproject #handsewnwithlove #thriftedhome #thriftstorefinds
A thoughtful gift from a former neighbor in Greenb A thoughtful gift from a former neighbor in Greenboro! 

She knows I love DIYs and shared a box full of @bertie_county_peanuts bags. 

I look forward to using these in a future DIY that will remind me of our sweet friendship. 🥜❤️

So far my top DIY contenders are: 

- stitch bags together and use them to reupholster a bench and other #burlapdecor 

- use bags as #upcycled shelf liner in our open kitchen cabinets 

- stitch #burlapbags together and make a couple of bolster pillows

🤔 What else could I make with a #burlapbag? Any suggestions are appreciated!
Inspired to paint today thanks to a photo by the i Inspired to paint today thanks to a photo by the incredibly talented Chef @wishartchris of @OldNorthStateWinery in #DowntownMountAiry. 

My #WatercolorPractice of this #DeliciousDessert is from his #ChefsTable and is ~ Grand Marnier-Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse with  Strawberry Soup and Vanilla Tuile. 

This #WatercolorPainting is still a #WorkInProgress and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. (Thank you for sharing your amazing creations Chris!) 

If you plan to #VisitNC be sure to put #OldNorthStateWinery on the top of your ‘must eat’ list. You won’t be disappointed.
The #hyacinth I transplanted last fall are bloomin The #hyacinth I transplanted last fall are blooming! 😍

It’s been slow going but our little #cottagegarden is coming together and I couldn’t be happier. ❤️

Today I’m looking around the old bee yard for more white #hyacinths to transplant before the rain sets in and our new bees arrive.

Each time I see these flowers I chuckle at the thought of #HyacinthBucket of #KeepingUpAppearances answering the phone... 😂 

“Helloooo the Bouquet residence, Lady of the house speaking.”
Excited to finish this piece thanks to my new @gel Excited to finish this piece thanks to my new @gellyrollph pens @thebrandonpierce ordered for me! 🙌🏻 

What began as a #watercolorpractice is now  officially #mixedmediaart.

This is a study inspired by an illustration by American illustrator #JamesMontgomeryFlagg (June 18, 1877 – May 27, 1960) better known for his ‘I Want You’ Uncle Sam recruitment illustration. 

This is still a #workinprogress and I’m glad I waited for my #gellyrollpens to arrive! They allow me to bring detail to my #watercolorpainting and I’m already making my wishlist of colors I don’t yet have. 

Every time I see this hanging in our kitchen it makes me want to throw on one of my vintage aprons and bake an apple pie. 🥧

I am constantly inspired by artists who came before me. Studying their work helps me to better learn techniques like shading, consistent color mixing and most importantly knowing when to stop. ❤️

#watercolorpainting #dailyart #artstagram #inthekitchen #vintagekitchen 
#ilovegellyrollph #diyart #inspiredby #americanillustrator #mixedmediaart #gelpenart  #watercolorart #watercolorartist #practicemakesprogress #vintageillustration #vintageillustrations
My pockets aren’t deep enough for my disappointm My pockets aren’t deep enough for my disappointment in my new @Dickies. 

When you buy a pair of bibs you *expect* to have pockets that can fit your whole hand. 

My most recent #handsewing project was adding REAL pockets to my Dickies. 

Thankfully my #fabricstash offered up enough to turn my 4” deep pockets to nearly 9” pockets that are actually functional. 🙌🏻

It’s no secret that #womenspockets are a joke.  Is it too much to ask for #pocketequality? 

#alterations #ithaspockets #pocketsewing #handsewn #womenspocketsareuseless #handsew #sewingismytherapy #dickies #womenspocketssuck #pocketsize
A #watercolor in progress inspired by a photo by @ A #watercolor in progress inspired by a photo by @bfullerfoto. 

I researched and found a mint 1959 #Dodge Custom Royal Lancer  hard top for color reference. 

It’s been fun working on this #watercolorpractice - I’m learning more and more about shadows and layering color.  The metal and reflective surfaces are challenging but worth the work. 

I love #classiccars and this is a #watercolorpainting I’m excited to finish. 

Thanks @bfullerfoto for the inspiration! Love your photos.
The #PatchWork #OvenMitts are finished! 🤓 I’ The #PatchWork #OvenMitts are finished! 🤓

I’m so happy that I was able to repurpose @thebrandonpierce Grandmother’s mitts with some of my #FabricStash. ❤️

#handsewnwithlove #handsewn #handsewing #patchworklovers #patchworkdesign #cottagelife #cottagekitchen #sewmuchlove #sewingismytherapy
🧵 My next #handsewn #sewingproject will be reju 🧵 My next #handsewn #sewingproject will be rejuvenating @thebrandonpierce grandmother’s #ovenmitts with a #patchworkquilt look using my #fabricstash. 

I love that they were passed down to us and can’t wait to have them hanging in our #cottagekitchen! 

I’ve never tried #handsewing patchwork on oven mitts before but I have a feeling this #sewingchallenge will be worth it. 🤓

Each time I use them I’ll remember all of the home cooked meals that they helped feed generations of Brandon’s family. ❤️

Sure we could buy new mitts - but I’d rather have these and enjoy the quiet hours spent sewing them remembering a remarkable woman. 

 #sewingismytherapy  #sewinglove #sewmuchlove #handsewnwithlove #handsew #amsewing #sewersgonnasew #sewingfun
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Categories

Archives

subscribe for email updates!

I’m so proud to be part of this book!

Popular posts

  • How to save your iPad from the loop of doom : A true story of patience and curse words
  • Recipe: Clara’s Depression Era ‘Poor Man’s Meal’
  • The History of Haint Blue
  • DIY : Crocheted Half Double Day Scarf
  • Sew Sexy: How to remove a cowl from a sweater

Content Protection by DMCA.com

Follow @dhatfield

Copyright © 2021 Danielle Hatfield ·Foodie Pro Theme · Genesis Framework by StudioPress · WordPress