Attending a networking event may fill you with dread,especially if you’re not a naturally confident person, but in order to push your business or even your own career, it is essential that you harness the
skills to communicate and navigate the world of networking
to become a success. Networking events provide us with the
opportunity to meet like-minded people and market our
business more naturally than by advertising.
Here are a few points to note for successful networking as a
start-up:
Do your Research
Before you book yourself onto any networking event, ensure
that you’re doing it for the right reasons. It’s easy to just go
in and not really know what to do or how to act, without a
pre-thought as to what you actually want to get out of it.
Networking is not for everyone, so access what it is that you
want to achieve by going to the event.
When you’re aware of what you would like to gain from
networking, you will not appear vague during conversations,
and you’ll be able to steer the conversation more naturally.
Whether you’re seeking a mentor to guide your business to
success, or finding out specific information from a company
to help grow your company. Try to break away from opening
questions that will fall flat are after a few minutes and if you
have a list of attendees prior to the event, see if you can do
some research into their general interests and hobbies so
that you’re more likely to have a deeper conversation.
Be Prepared
Business cards are an essential element to help you gain
interest in your business, and enable people to follow you
up easily rather than having to search the internet for your name or company.
Make your business cards easily accessible, and ensure
they’re up to date with your full list of contact details. Not
everyone wants to pick up the phone, so include your email,
social sites and any other relevant information about your
business. This way when it comes to connecting with you,
they can do this in the most natural way for them, rather
than being forced out of their comfort zone on first contact.
If you’re not offered a business card whilst talking, just ask.
It sounds simple but don’t be afraid of showing a keen
interest in them or their business. Everyone is using
business cards now, and it makes it far easier for a
relationship to continue after the event, than the risk of
losing an interested person.
Open Up to Opportunities
Even if you’re quite happy with the way your business is
growing or the way your career is developing, you simply
never know the connections you may find at a networking
event.
Just because you’re happy where you are right now, doesn’t
mean that you won’t need any help at a later date. Plus you
may find new contacts for other purposes that are going to
benefit you.
From finding future collaborators to finding funding for your
projects, be open to the endless opportunities that
networking may offer you.
Dress to Impress
When you’ve taken the time to put yourself out there at an
event, make every effort to represent yourself or your
business in the best possible light.
We never like to judge a book by its cover, but if you want a
professional to back your business you need to show them
that you’re serious and that you take the utmost care when it
comes to every element of your business, including how you
dress. Mind your manners and dress smartly as if it was a
job interview. Keep eye contact and try your best to make a
good impression, as you and your business are on show.
Make Connections
Rather than asking probing questions that may intimidate
people, try to be personable and approachable.
Although you’re all there to talk business, it doesn’t hurt to
take a keen interest in other areas of their life. After all we
all buy into ideas or products that we feel a connection with,
and we always remember the people we like. So increase
your likability and spend time taking a personal approach.
Don’t put yourself or your business plan at the beginning of
every conversation and take the time to listen to others.
Circulate
It’s very easy to get caught up in wanting to target the people
you feel can help you, but don’t just make it all about them.
Navigate your way around the event and take the time to
talk to everyone and get an understanding for what others
are here for.
Remember that there are many people to talk to from all
walks of life that you may learn something from each of
them. Don’t monopolise peoples time and be accepting that
there are lots of people wanting learn just as much as you
do.
Follow it up
Once you’ve finished a networking event and found people
that you truly connect with, on a personal or a professional
level, it’s common practice to add them on LinkedIn.
Don’t be dismissive of those that perhaps cannot offer you
anything immediately, as if they ever change their position,
they could be instrumental in helping you with your own
success.
Whether it’s a call or an email, follow-up and continue the
conversation.
Networking is not just about how many business cards you
manage to hand out, it’s about the lasting impression and
the way you make people feel.
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