10 steps to Effective Networking

10 steps to

Effective Networking 

  

Lately I’ve been attending networking events that tend to be more of a speed dating or meet and greet kind of thing.  I’m finding that they are anything but networking for business.   So I stopped going because I felt that it just worth my time.  I was expecting to be around business minded people with a like mind that wanted to connect with other entrepreneurs for the various reasons of sharing their services, getting encouragement to push through the toils of starting a business, or to gain knowledge and tips or ideas or how to keep a business afloat.  So because I wasn’t finding this, I stopped going. 

Years later, my little sister invited me to a networking event with a group that she is connected with.  So I figured I would give it a try – again.  This particular organization had already been in existence and had decided to do a Launch Networking party and go public at the same time.  I was familiar with the CEO of the organization as I had met him under a different circumstance and I felt a positive vibe about him – so I agreed to go. 

Now being an introvert I was initially excited about meeting new people and possibly expanding in my business.  That is up until about 2 hours before we were to leave.  Then my nerves set inand I wanted to stay home.   However I gave my word to go.  So we get there and I see the crowd from the door. The good thing is – there’s a crowd .  The bad is …… there’s a crowd.  We go in and I see people standing around.  Until I actually walk up to them, I don’t see they are standing around vendors for the event.  Ok – I can accept that.  Once we’ve walked the one side, my sister spots some friends of hers so we stopped and chatted.  I immediately pull out my phone to photo-log the event. Taking pictures relax me for some reason.   I see people talking to people but can’t tell if its actually networking or people they arrived with and are standing around talking or catching up just like us. 

Then it happened.  The moment that rang –THERE IS A NETWORKING GENIUS!!! 

As they tried to quiet the room, you start to see people form in the shape of a circle.  The music dies down some and everyone’s attention goes towards the man with the mic.  “May I have your attention please?”  The room got silent. (somewhat).  From here the moment became structured and organized;  my kind of meeting.  They actually made space for a networking activity.  The floor was given to the Emcee where he introduced a little about the organization and what was about to take place next. 

Opportunity was given to various entrepreneurs to give their “less than 1 minute” elevator pitch.  The rest us stood around gave applausal appreciation.  (I think I just made that word applausal up)  and took notes on who we further wanted to connect with.  Unfortunately, networking event don’t always work like this. 

  

Here’s a few tips to help you make the most out of a Traditional networking event that you may attend. 

1.       MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR BUSINESS CARDS!!! 

With the way modern technology has evolved, the handling of business cards have changed.  I just went to a  Success Conference 2 weeks ago and instead of people asking for my card for contact, the question of the day was, are you on social? or where can I find you on social?  Here I was ready to give out my cards ( Since Vistaprint sent me 500) and we've moved into the digital world.

However, for the late bloomers, I would still carry your business cards where ever you go.  You could run into a location that has bad reception. Your physical card will still work just as fine.

Here's an extra tip – on the back of your card, have a label or have it pre-printed these couple lines to help your new associates remember you. Label it with Date/ Event  and then leave space for a tibbit about your conversation 

  

  2.      DON'T JUST HAND OUT YOUR BUSINESS CARD BECAUSE VISTAPRINT SENT     

        YOU 500!! 

 PASS WITH A PURPOSE!! 

Here’s where work comes in.  Know why you are giving out your card. Before you end you conversation – Ask… Do you think I can be of service to you or someone you know?  Capture that lead even if its not for that person directly..  This will also makes the other think… why am I asking for this card?  Is it just out of routine?     Can we build a business relationship from this, or who can it actually help outside of me?  Not everyone you meet you can service, but they can be a piece to the puzzle that you connects you to who you can help. 

  

3.      RESEARCH THE ORGANIZER/HOST OF THE EVENT 

If this is your first time attending  know who you are connecting with. Knowing who you are connecting with can also give you insight on the type of people that you are going to meet.  This will also allow you to have an expectation of how they can propel you closer to your goal.  Organizers love when you do your homework.  Researching them ahead of time will also pull in a warm connection.  Conversations will be easier almost like you're friends already.

  

4.       HAVE YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH READY!!!!! 

You never know what opportunity lies ahead. So know your business.  Know it inside and out. 

 I just watched an episode on Queen Boss where a contestant drew a blank when she was asked about her product.  She had a great product to reproduce, but when it came to convincing the judges, she froze!!  Luckily for her, they saw something in the product and that it was worth giving her a second chance. 

-         If you don’t have a business yet, have your concepts and ideas of what’s spinning in your head.  The person that you are speaking with may have a connection in that area that can shed some light and give you advise, but if you present with nothing…… nothing you will get in return. 

  

5.      DRESS APPROPIATELY 
 DO NOT!!  I repeat DO NOT look like you are going to the club.  I am tired of looking at networking event pictures and the attendees look like they ready to wobble versus ready to make money.  Let’s change the face of business networking shall we? 

  

  

5.      LISTEN AND ASK QUESTIONS

Don’t just be one sided. Although you may be excited, dialogue and relationships take 2 people. Be considerate. Listen with intent to learn, grow and build relationships.  Ask relevant questions pertaining to the conversation at hand.

  

6.       COME WITH A LIST OF QUESTIONS
 This will give you an opportunity to get to know them and build a relationship.  Ask more that the regular questions” Are you married?  How many children do you have? How do you work your business with a full-time job and family?"

  - Writer Elana Lyn Gross wrote an excellent article in Forbes Magazine that gives us great          

         questions to open up dialogue during these events. 

8.       DON'T SPEND ALL YOUR TIME WITH ONE PERSON, BUT DON'T RACE TO MEET EVERYONE.

  Have a pre-set number of people that you want to connect and build with. It's not a competition of how many business cards you can hand.  (you can always change this number once you arrive) 

 NOTE: You don’t have to meet everyone in the room 

  

9.      FOLLOW UP!  Make this an assignment.  The assignment is not complete until you go the full circle.  The follow up is the last step.  

-         Just a friendly call or email to say, “Thank you for your time” can’ hurt.  If you found and leads or conjured up a helpful idea, here the place to share. If you decided to follow them on social, take the time to check out their website or oages.  Leave a positive note or even a referral.

  

10.   KNOW YOUR PURPOSE.  You are in attendance for a purpose.. Keep that inthe forefront of your mind.  Use it to your advantage when you run into people that want to talk about anything unimportant.  Your purpose is your way out of useless conversation.


BONUS ==== LIMIT YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE!  Do I really need to say this? Maybe I should have put this first.   Ladies and gentlemen. Let’s not have a sing-a-long with Jamie Foxx, and “Blame it on the alcohol”.  

As I am closing out, so many other ideas are popping into my head.  I may have to do a part 2.  I'm sure you may have other tips as well, but these are a few that I found to be helpful during my observation.

Leave me a comment below and share what is your best or favorite networking tip.  Even if it not on my list.  Remember sharing is caring.

Thanks so much for reading!!

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