When networking, you must “power down” and put away your electronic gadgets when you meet with people in person. Ringing cell phones and texting distractions send all the wrong body language to the person whom  you are physically with.

Show them that they are more important to you than your technology…at least for the moment. Make it a priority to be “fully present” when networking.

Your eye contact and focused, active listening will go miles to furthering the relationship and the results from this networking exchange.

Goal for this week:

Deliberately turn off your cell phone, Blackberry or iPhone prior to sitting down with someone for networking. Do not allow yourself to get distracted by your technology. Give the person your total attention throughout the period of your networking meeting. Notice when others get techno-distracted and how it makes you feel.

photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/93326058@N00/8580923/ – Photographer: yogert909