Networking is an invaluable tool that everyone in business would do well to utilize and master. Adding the dynamic of networking with protocol and etiquette is the icing on the cake. The old adage says it‘s not what you know but who you know. I‘d like to add, it‘s also who they know and if you have developed enough trust that they share their network with you.

People do business with people they like. Again I‘d like to add, people do business with people with whom they feel comfortable and who abide by the same rules and the same understanding of what is ‘protocol’. Club members recognize other club members by the way they carry themselves and by the set of rules they follow. If you operate in accordance with the unwritten yet understood (by members) rules, you are recognized as an insider and treated as such with the benefits afforded club members. We all know membership has its benefits.

Successful people possess highly-refined networking skills and a sense of decorum in their interaction that is unmistakable. You‘ve seen that person—it seems like she knows everyone in the room and everyone in the room seems to know her. She has a comfort level and confidence that benefits herself, as well as the host of the event and everyone with whom she interacts. Her natural demonstration of polished business interaction brings a sense of ease to everyone in the room. Her influence makes a positive shift in the ambience of the room and the event. What host or hostess is not grateful for that? These master networkers are invited everywhere and they approach networking prepared, poised and considerate. The central principle of networking at this level of excellence is one of –yes, protocol and etiquette. It also includes the concept of giving, the universal reward for which is getting.

Networking with using the rules of protocol and etiquette is an empowering strategy that will give you confidence and ease at business functions, in networking situations, in relationships and in life.