It turns out that in addition to the time we spend on social media, it still makes good business sense to have a strong networking strategy if you want to grow your business. Let’s take a look at the top five do's and dont's of networking. 

Do: Make a good first impression. You have mere seconds to make a positive impression. Think about what type of personal presence appeals to you. Your list probably includes a smile, neat grooming, and a sense of inner confidence. These typically all work together to create an appealing, approachable personal impression. 

Don't: Over do it. Be confident, but not too strong. Making that first impression should not be viewed as needing to be unforgettable. You will have ample opportunity to remind new contacts about your business offerings through your follow-up to networking encounters.   

Do: Be an equal opportunity networker. Approach everyone as a networking opportunity, at events designed for networking and in general, from day to day. You just never know where your next great lead will come from, so it is best to look at every encounter as a potential lead generator.

Don't: Ignore those outside the business. Showing interest only in the VIPs at networking events, professional meetings, or casual encounters. The smarter networker understands that anyone may be a lead generator through their business, family, or friends. The more friendly and approachable you appear, the more widely the word will spread naturally about your business. 

Do: Talk about things other than business. Show interest to establish a positive professional relationship. Ask the other person about their interests, hobbies, hopes. The conversation naturally will rotate around to you and your business. Listen closely for cues that will help spring up a future conversation. Appropriate professional humor works, too, if you can find a way for you and your new contact to share a smile or chuckle together.

Don't: Show off. Commandeering the conversation by talking about yourself and your business. There will be ample time—at that networking event or a later date—for you to share your information, once you have established that you have taken an interest in the world that your new contact inhabits.

Do: Follow up with every new contact. Keep up with your networking contacts on a regular basis. Find ways to connect now and then, whether for coffee or online, to show them that you are interested in working with them. 

Don't: Wait for the last moment. You don't want to wait till the last minute to ask them for their business. Smart networking is all about developing and maintaining new, long-term relationships. Longer-term relationships are most likely to produce the best business leads.

Look at your networking contacts as colleagues. Treat them as you would any team member and you will be well on your way to casting a smarter net to expand your business relationships and leads.