A great network can open any door.

9 ways to grow your networking:

1. Do Your Homework

Take 10 minutes before the event to see who’s attending, understand what matters to them, and prep 3 thoughtful questions that spark meaningful conversations.

2. Practice Going First

Be the first one to break the ice. Show initiative and confidence—e.g., “Hi, I’m Ben.”

3. Use Non-Verbal Communication

Get the fundamentals right. Stand up straight, make eye contact, smile, and give a firm handshake.

4. Ask Rapport-Building Questions

The best networkers ask the best questions: “What are you excited about these days?” This is so powerful, yet overlooked.

5. Use the SHR Method

Make the person you’re speaking with feel these 3 things:

Seen (specific compliment),
Heard (ask good questions), and
Remembered (recall details).

6. Remember Names

As Dale Carnegie says, “A person’s name is to that person, the sweetest, most important sound in any language.”

Write it down when you hear it.
This will help you remember it and differentiate yourself.

7. Be a Power Connector

Structure your network in three rings: Power 25 (inner circle), Key 150 (middle circle), and Outer 250. Focus on the Power 25 while touching base with others.

8. Follow-Up

Within 24 hours, send a personalized note referencing specific conversation points. You’ll stand out from 99% of people.

9. Build Valuable Skills

Learn skills others value, then freely share that knowledge.

Give first without expectation.

—

I’ll leave you with this African Proverb:

“If you want to go fast, go alone,
If you want to go far, go together.”

Edwin B Cohen

Following up will set you apart, Dan.

 ‘The best way to be interesting is to be interested.’

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