The 12 x 12 x 12 Rule for Successful Networking If you follow the three parts of this rule carefully, you can learn to network successfully.

Perception is reality. How many times have you heard that saying? Probably enough to know that the way you're perceived really does affect the business you conduct (or don't conduct) with other people. This is especially true when it comes to networking and meeting someone for the first time, and this is where the 12 x 12 x 12 rule becomes so important.

Basically, this rule involves three questions:

1. How do you look from 12 feet away? Do you look the part?
2. How do you come across from 12 inches away? Does your attitude and body language reflect what they first saw?
3. What are the first 12 words out of your mouth?