As a business owner, you know you should be attending networking events. But, it is hard - not everyone can walk into a room full of strangers and jump right into business discussions. You will need to prepare, practice and implement the following suggestions to make the most of these business networking meetings.
Before the event, ask what the dress code is. Depending on the type of event, dress could be formal, or informal. You will feel much more relaxed if you are dressed as everyone else is. Make a list of what your goals are for this event. Do you want to make sure you meet specific people? Are you wanting to work on existing relationships? Do you want to meet new potential customers? Do you want to meet potential business partners? Focusing on a particular purpose will make it easier for you to manage your time at the event.
Make sure you have a small notepad, a pen and business cards ready to go. Make a goal for yourself by making sure you hand out a certain number of business cards at the meeting. And don't forget to ask for a business card from someone you are truly interested in getting to know more about later. In addition, unless the event is a meal, have a small meal or snack before you go.
At the marketing event itself, make sure you arrive early, especially if it is going to be a large event. Arriving early will give you a chance to circulate through a larger number of people, since there will be less 'competition' to engage others' time. Smile when you walk into the room. It makes you much more approachable.
Make sure you mingle. To do this, set a goal to spend no more than ten minutes with each person and don't just speak with people you know. At a networking event, people expect to be approached by strangers. Go introduce yourself to anyone that is standing alone. When you are introduced to someone, use their name several times, this will help you remember it and you can then introduce this person to others, which is a good way to exit that interaction.
Listen. Listening is a skill that everyone needs to work on. Ask questions of people that require them to think of a response. This will also help you evaluate whether or not this person will be a good business contact for you in the future.
Once you have arrived home, you are not actually done with the networking event! Take a few moments to organize the business cards you received. While the event is fresh in your mind, jot down any specific notes on the contact either on the business card, or in your small notebook. Then, call everyone you took a business card from in the next 24 hours, especially if you connected very well with someone. Call them and invite them to a business lunch to discuss more about how your businesses could work together.
Don't overlook the power of marketing! Planning the best way to use your times and skills for these networking meetings can bring you many new contacts, business possibilities and even friends. So don't dread these meetings, make the most of them!
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Networking |
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