With PIA’s Annual Conference coming up this weekend, all attendees and exhibitors should know the ins and outs of networking and “selling” themselves. All connections, no matter how big, small, beneficial or bizarre are all potential working relationships. Check out these tips written by Karen Schwartz who interviewed Sallie L. Krawcheck, former president of the Global Wealth & Investment Management division of Bank of America, on how to get the most out of your networking skills.

1. “Think broad, not deep.” Do not fall into the “best friend syndrome.” We invest deeply in our relationships and conflate casual relationships with shallow ones. But your acquaintances play a crucial role in your career. Someone you see only twice a year may know about opportunities you haven’t heard about.

2. “Cast a wider net.” Networking  within your profession won’t take you very far. You’re aiming for reach – friends, classmates, neighbors. Plant a lot of seeds.

3. “Don’t make it all about you.” People approach career opportunities the way they do social ones: Nobody wants to hang out with, let alone help, someone who is overtly self-serving. At the end of the day, what we’re talking about is being sociable.

4. “Remember the quid pro quo.” Networking can’t be one-sided – both parties need to get something out of it. Ask yourself: What can I offer that makes the relationship worth the effort? Pay it forward by brokering introductions or proffering useful business insight. The best kinds of connections are mutually beneficial.

5. “It’s not only about your job search.” Networking isn’t just about finding a job. It’s also about making you better at the one you have. The more time you spend gathering diverse information [from people in different industries and professions], the more valuable you are as an employee.

6. “Pursue your personal interests.” It’s easier to break the ice with strangers when you’re actually interested in a social event’s subject matter. It’s not ‘I’m here to network.’ It’s ‘I’m here to learn about X, Y, Z.’

7. “Lock it up by following through.” Be sure to send a quick follow-up email the day after meeting someone. Follow-through is what turns a contact into a connection.

To find more work tips and information on this article Click Here.

Visit ANE at Booths 1207/1208 this weekend at the PIA Annual Conference at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. Also, stop by our Hospitality Suite Sunday, June 8th at 7:30pm on the 14th Floor.