One of the most cost effective ways of generating leads and referrals. However it's important that you 'work' these opportunities in the correct way. The following techniques should make a great difference to your success rate at networking events.
In The Beginning
It's important to know exactly what you want out of a networking event, as well as why you're attending? Is it to refine your skills, build relationships, make sales or research the competition? Will you encourage people them to visit your website? Sign up for a workshop? Set up a time for a further meeting?
In fact, you may find you'll benefit most from networking when you have one intention and stick to it. That way you won't become sidetracked and instead can concentrate on the job in hand, for example, to build potential joint ventures.
Business Cards
Apart from yourself, these are second most important equipment for any networking event. However, don't just hand your business card out to all and sundry. In fact, until you know whether or not the person opposite fits a match to your needs, don't be tempted to exchange cards. No match, no card.
Also keep a pen handy, that way you can write something memorable about the person you've just met on the back of their business card before moving on i.e. what was discussed, their interests, needs etc. This can provide a great memory jog for after the event.
Never apologise for your business card. As long as it contains your correct contact details, then your business cards are performing. Remember, 'business cards do not maketh the man? Or woman.'
First Impressions
What will make more of an impression, your job title or what you actually do? Remember that with any product (and the product here is 'you') people want to know about the benefits not the features.
So instead of saying 'I'm a Financial Planner', try 'I help people take control of their finances'. Doesn't that immediately sound much more empowering and interesting?
Think about how you would introduce yourself, so that you a) tell people what you do, and b) include a perceived benefit.
However the best way to make an impression is to listen. Remember it's not about you, but them ? keep talking about your business and how great you are and you've lost them. However by taking a real interest in the person opposite and how your business can help them, well then you're well on the way to gaining a good contact and maybe even a client.
So what kind of things could you ask or talk about? Here are a few questions to get your started:
* How did you become involved in this kind of business?
* How do you see this event helping you in your business
* What marketing have you found most effective in your business or industry?
* What would a typical client say about you?
* What is your number one need at the moment?
* What business trends do you see affecting you right now (or next year)?
* How do you identify potential customers?
Then see if you can leave a potential contact with something more. For example, do you have a report you could take along, a copy of an article or press release about your business? Something different, something 'extra' that could make you stand out and differentiate you from the competition.
It's Not A Race
You don't have to meet everyone. Three to four productive discussions will yield far better results, long term, than nineteen 'grip and grins'. Believe me if you're intent on meeting as many people as possible it tends to give away two things, a) a sense of desperation, and that b) you're clearly at the event for one reason: to find work? And quickly!
The Follow-Up
Follow-up within 48 hours of making a contact, either by email, phone or letter. It displays your level of commitment, credibility and professionalism. Yes, we're all busy people, but honestly how long does it really take to write a quick email? How often have we met people who have promised to 'get in touch' and never do? Don't be one of these.
Andrew Ludlam is a client attraction expert, and Director of Maverick Marketing Solutions. If you're deadly serious about maximising the potential of your business, then I urge you to visit http://www.maverickmarketingltd.com and sign up for the monthly 'Maverick Marketing Solutions Newsletter'... where you'll also receive the FREE white paper "Six Magnetic Ways To Attract More Clients To Your Business In The Next 90 Days..!" (Value $37)
Warning! This could be the last business marketing website you ever need to see...
It is important for you to join at least one... Read More
I remember the first time I opened the fridge to... Read More
If you walk into your local bookstore and pick up... Read More
With at least 60% of job-seekers finding employment through networking,... Read More
There is a rather famous true story called "Acres of... Read More
Some of the most successful businesses in existence today started... Read More
Here are 34 affirmations I have created after studying the... Read More
Online networking has opened up some fantastic business opportunities for... Read More
Who needs a network of people to talk to about... Read More
What is the problem when people try to describe what... Read More
One of the best ways to get business is through... Read More
How do you measure a group's worth to your organization?It... Read More
There's a time and place to network with people in... Read More
Do you enjoy one-on-one networking, however, the thought of walking... Read More
One of the most cost effective ways of generating leads... Read More
What has networking got to do with joint ventures? "PLENTY"... Read More
Douglas Wilder, former Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and... Read More
Sigmund Freud says "a person's name is the single context... Read More
These Actions of Awesome Hospitality? will help you manifest the... Read More
Good manners, good networking and good business all have the... Read More
Most people become lax at maintaining their professional business network... Read More
Success in your career depends upon how well you manage... Read More
Today's economy presents some very special challenges to people who... Read More
Why is it so important to network with other people... Read More
You only have three seconds?Connect in under a minute?People decide... Read More
What is "the top" anyway? According to society, "top" has... Read More
Recently, while providing an up-and-coming Virtual Assistant (VA) and small... Read More
Why business relationships are formed with certain people?If you go... Read More
If you own a franchise you should be in contact... Read More
Are you in the relationship business? Of course you are.... Read More
Why is a network meeting the best place to get... Read More
Networking is often identified as a key business building activity... Read More
While surfing for traffic or browsing your safelist emails, you... Read More
Here are 34 affirmations I have created after studying the... Read More
It is important for you to join at least one... Read More
I recently entered the keyword "networking" into Google. In 0.13... Read More
If you run a mobile car washing firm we recommend... Read More
Passive Income, residuals, royalties three ways to get paid multiple... Read More
Why would I pick this group over another group?How many... Read More
Put join a networking group on your to do list... Read More
What do you tell people when asked what you do?... Read More
Right here in Europe, the very last continent to enter... Read More
You only have three seconds?Connect in under a minute?People decide... Read More
If you're in a business relationship with anyone ? a... Read More
For years we've been taught to identify ourselves as reps... Read More
How can the introduction of new products affect the way... Read More
What makes a good interest story?An interest story is just... Read More
Networking: Is it who you know or what you know... Read More
Most small business people do not take advantage of human... Read More
Are you in the relationship business? Of course you are.... Read More
A few years back when I moved to Charlotte, NC... Read More
How many leads do you pass on?As a reminder, you... Read More
Why would you want to write information on paper when... Read More
While surfing for traffic or browsing your safelist emails, you... Read More
The ability to connect with people is essential to success... Read More
Why ask others for help and what do you gain... Read More
Sigmund Freud says "a person's name is the single context... Read More
When I walked into Dallas's famous Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse, all... Read More
One of the best ways to get business is through... Read More
Breaking into conversational groups is one of the things people... Read More
How can you find out the group loyalty requirements before... Read More
For the self employed professional, nothing is more important than... Read More
One of the most cost effective ways of generating leads... Read More
I have been working from home on the internet for... Read More
Networking is often identified as a key business building activity... Read More
Successful networking requires the understanding from the get-go that it... Read More
Networking |