Listen 75% of the time. People love to talk about themselves and you will be remembered.
People in my network often joke that a one-to-one with me will be at least two hours. I have actually had a 6 hour meeting on one occasion. I have a reputation for talking – but if you ask people I have had these marathon 1-1 meetings with what it was like they will all tell you “we spent most of the time talking about my business not Dinah’s”.
ME – everyone’s favourite topic of conversation. My world. My business. My challenges. These are the most important topics to most business owners. And most never get the chance to talk them through with another business owner. We put a brave face on things and struggle on. We celebrate our successes in private, or with our family, but miss the “Congratulations” from our peers that is so motivational.
If you really want to build a reputation as a Great Networker – become a listener. A world-class listener. Take the time to ask questions that allow others to share and to shine.
Dinah Liversidge – Credibility Mentor. Dinah helps people build their business with credibility and powerful networks. 
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Hi Dinah,
Great blog, and I know many people who have had 1-1s with you and have said how incredible it was to have someone who listens and cares so much about what they say.
I think for any networker (whether in a 1-1 or in a networking event) they need to learn to listen.
Fab advice and something we, as business people, should all take.
Hannah