If songs were much longer we wouldn’t remember them or we’d lose interest. The format has been tried, tampered with and proven for decades. Let’s use that characteristic in our networking.

The biggest sin in networking is boring your audience. How many times have you been asked a simple question, like, “What do you do?” where you launch into a complete history of your employment life?

Folks stop listening after about three sentences. More than that and whatever you say is lost. Prepare for any encounter with just exactly the answer to the question you are asked and if you do a good job, your listener will ask you questions; which means you are interacting.

Find that hard to do? Try repeating the question in your answer. “I work xxx” or “What do I do?…”

Second Sin: Talking AT people is a horrible way to create a bond. Come prepared with questions and keep eye contact if you want people to remember you. When you hear yourself TELLING people information instead of SHARING experiences, you are talking AT them. Don’t do that.

Not sure how to cut down your spiel? Give your answers to a twelve year old. If they can tell you what you meant or ask a relevant question, you are on track. If not, try again.

Learn to answer your questions with relevant stories about your experience and you will be remembered.