Memorial Day has just passed marking the beginning of summer. Summer is the season of graduations, weddings, barbeques, vacations and networking!
Have you ever considered that these summer events put you in front of a whole new group of contacts or people you haven't seen in awhile? Are you prepared to leverage this networking opportunity for what you can give and receive? A simple networking strategy can make this a profitable and social season.
Know What You're Going to Say
Isn't it true that when attending any event, one of two questions will be asked? If you know the person, they will ask "By the way, what are you up to these days?" If you're meeting a person for the first time, they will inevitably ask you, "So, what do you do?"
Experienced networkers know that this is the perfect opportunity for a marketing sound bite aka elevator pitch. The key is having a sound bite that is informative and flexible for any situation. Studies also tell us you have 10 seconds to make a good first impression. Are your first 10 seconds of words an intriguing infomercial that appeals to their curiosity and engages them in conversation?
Consider what you usually hear, "I'm still selling insurance." Or "I sell life, home, auto and health insurance. I also help with financial planning so your kids can go to college. I was the number one agent in my office last year. I can get you a great deal." Both are sure-fire conversation stoppers with the person asking the question looking for the quickest exit!
Maybe it's time to consider a summer infomercial makeover! What about this: "I help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams." Doesn't that make you wonder what they really do? Don't you want to know more about how she helps people manage the risks of everyday life? Aren't you more inclined to ask, "Wow, that's intriguing. How do you do that?" The door is open for an authentic conversation that builds a relationship and offers benefits to both parties.
Know How You're Going to Follow-Up
The other key strategy is to have a follow-up plan. The over-arching principle of networking is building and maintaining mutual valuable relationships. People do business with, and refer business to, people they know and trust. That relationship must be cultivated.
The best way to cultivate a relationship is to simply stay in touch. Whether re- connecting with a past acquaintance or meeting someone for the first time, send a short email, or even better yet, a hand-written note letting them know how great it was seeing them. Be sure to include something memorable from your conversation and a business card. Or set up a time to get together for coffee to continue the conversation started at the social event. Having a follow-up plan makes it more likely that follow-up will be done!
By taking some thoughtful time now to plan what you will say and how you will follow-up will make this summer social season your best networking season ever!
Linda Peterson is an expert in networking and has taught hundreds of others on how to develop their networking expertise. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of Networking Experts, Inc. http://businessnetworkingexperts.com
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