Networking, schmoozing, making connections. Call it what you want, it's something that is a necessity if you want to do business today. Many of us either love it or hate it. Personally, I wasn't too fond of it in the past. Although I'm a outgoing person, I just hated starting conversations with people I had no idea what to say to. Oh yes, my friends reading this will laugh out loud. "Yeah right, Simone, shy? She can talk anyone under the table!" Ha ha, very funny, but that is beside the point. Many folks, even extroverts, avoid networking for the simple fact that they don't want to talk to strangers. Some feel that they don't have anything to offer, or don't feel like going to a pick up joint disguised as a networking event. Yeah, you know the ones. I actually went to one last week and I was asking where the 'networking' was as I looked at the dance floor full of executives doing the electric slide (I kid you not! The electric slide!) I thought, "Darn! Foiled again!" Hey, we all love to have fun, but if it's a party, just say it's a party! Come on!
So, you see why I got fed up and started my own event, "Give 'N Take Network": http://www.giventakenetwork.org? There's still hope for us all...we can make networking work if we really think about the benefits and plan for a successful outcome.
The things that can arise from networking are amazing. Most of my best contacts are people I met at business conferences and networking events. I actually make it a point to tell my clients to schedule in at least two networking events a month that target their audiences. Being seen and heard will increase your chances of success! Not only is networking good for business, but also for your personal life!
Business Benefits:
? Expand your customer base
? Get a new job or referrals
? Promote your business
Personal Benefits:
? Meet new friends
? Build your self-confidence
? Have fun!
Four Easy Steps to Working a Room:
1. Be prepared
2. Introductions
3. Sealing the Deal
4. Follow Up
Be Prepared
? Have a positive attitude
? Go with a purpose! What would you like to accomplish at this event?
? Bring plenty of business cards. Have a cardholder for easy access and also have a place to put cards of people that you meet.
? If you come with your buddies...make sure they know you aren't joined at the hip. The worst thing you can be that night is a clique. When you get to the event, make it your goal to split up. That will encourage you to network even more. I know it's hard, but you gotta cut the cord sometimes.
Introductions..Don't be shy
? Walk up to someone and introduce yourself. Make eye contact and give them a firm handshake. Okay, let me be clear: please, no Incredible Hulk grips! I can't tell you how many times I've had my ring imprint make me want to cry from one of those shakes. What are you people trying to prove with those grips? LOL. However, you must by all means avoid the wimpy damp-palm handshake that just collapses within the other person's hand. If you do that, you come across just like that -wimpy or even worse, like you're royalty and you want them to kiss your hand.
? Say your first and last name while introducing yourself. Once they tell you their name, here are some tricks to remember it!
1. Listen for the name and repeat it, "Nice to meet you, Nadine."
2. Use the name in your conversation.
3. Play name association games to remind yourself, such as Nadine from New Jersey or Navy Nadine (because she had on a navy blue suit.) This is my personal favorite since I have the memory of a 90-year-old sometimes!
? With a little dash of confidence and charm, share with your new acquaintance who you are. Make sure you smile and maintain eye contact with them. Plan your 30-second introduction beforehand. Your intro is just your tagline. Basically, it's a couple of sentences of who you are, what you do to get them interested, and start the conversation. Make sure you ask them about themselves as well.
? Small Talk: A little small talk makes folks feel comfortable and at ease. Try not to brag, or impress, but just act natural. You will already have something in common since you are at the same event, so why not start by talking about that. Common interests can be excellent conversation starters. Understanding your similarities takes the edge off.
eg : So, you're an enterprenuar too? How long have you been in business for yourself?" or something like "Nice to meet you too! First time at a National Squirrel Lovers Convention?" (just making sure you are awake...I crack myself up, excuse me.)
As suggested by Networking Guru, Susan Roane, try using the OAR TACTIC.
1. Observe
2. Ask
3. Reveal.
It's a great way to break the ice and begin an engaging conversation. Remember?being a good listener is key!
Seal the Deal:
So, you've had your small talk, found out how you can help each other and have exchanged cards. Make sure you LOOK at the card when they hand it to you. Don't just shove it in your pocket. That's just rude! Looking at the card will help you remember their name as well. After you walk away, you can write on the back of their card what you are going to do for each other, or some tips to remind you who they are, I.e.: Guy in the black hat who was friends with Bill. Has a client that needs my service.
Follow up:
You might want to end the conversation like, "I'll send you an email tomorrow regarding blah blah blah." Or "I'll call you on Tuesday". Oh yeah, following up is not only the best part, but the MOST important part of networking.
I get on my members of Give 'N Take Network about this, because like I always say: Talk is Cheap! If you don't follow up, you just wasted precious time shooting the breeze.
Hope these tips will help you work that room at your next event. Happy networking!
Simone Kelly is CEO and founder of Gots To Have It, Marketing, a firm that specializes in marketing and empowering entrepreneurs with a series of workshops and networking events. Please view her company web sites here: http://www.gotstohaveit.com and http://www.giventakenetwork.org
What is the definition of a leads exchange and how... Read More
My neighbor ? a lovely man I've known, and have... Read More
Commandment 1LoveWhen we choose to simply love, our giving and... Read More
What makes a good interest story?An interest story is just... Read More
Networking is often identified as a key business building activity... Read More
"It's not what you know, it's who you know."This old... Read More
Successful networking requires the understanding from the get-go that it... Read More
People wear nametags more often than you think. The majority... Read More
You can generate a ton of business by networking, whether... Read More
What is the biggest advantage of forming an alliance?Everyone has... Read More
Nametags are worn for a variety of jobs and functions,... Read More
What has networking got to do with joint ventures? "PLENTY"... Read More
Think health articles are boring? This one isn't, so read... Read More
As a Young Professional (YP) in the up-and-coming city of... Read More
It used to be that people said that there was... Read More
The festive season is a great time to sharpen and... Read More
If you own a franchise you should be in contact... Read More
"If you build a better mouse trap - the world... Read More
Earlier today I was helping a client develop a better... Read More
What is the problem when people try to describe what... Read More
While surfing for traffic or browsing your safelist emails, you... Read More
Who needs a network of people to talk to about... Read More
If you walk into your local bookstore and pick up... Read More
Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, feel like you... Read More
"The Networking Factor, Everyone is important!" This slogan reminds me... Read More
As a single company, it is impossible to provide your... Read More
Many workers think that their hard work will speak for... Read More
Network marketing is the ordinary person's best opportunity to make... Read More
Most people become lax at maintaining their professional business network... Read More
How can the introduction of new products affect the way... Read More
If you're fond of a good debate, you know how... Read More
Have you ever noticed how visible large corporations are? Take... Read More
If you're new to the internet marketing club, you may... Read More
A value-added network can be achieved through explicit actions to... Read More
"What me? Sell myself? You have to be joking!"This was... Read More
"It's not what you know, it's who you know."This old... Read More
Why is it so important to network with other people... Read More
"Hey Scott, would you like to go to a Bad... Read More
Networking is probably the oldest, easiest, most effective and least... Read More
Although, this is about giving the gift of your name... Read More
The heart of any business is the connection it has... Read More
"If you build a better mouse trap - the world... Read More
The StoryBusiness has a habit of testing us as individuals... Read More
Definition: talk idly or casually in a friendly way Value:... Read More
Breaking into conversational groups is one of the things people... Read More
Online networking has opened up some fantastic business opportunities for... Read More
Did you just meet the most important person in your... Read More
Let's be real. With other pressures of life upon us,... Read More
One of the best ways to get a referral is... Read More
Today's economy presents some very special challenges to people who... Read More
For the self employed professional, nothing is more important than... Read More
Do you enjoy one-on-one networking, however, the thought of walking... Read More
1. Recognise the importance of networkingAsk any successful business person... Read More
In life, you have to successfully work with people to... Read More
What has networking got to do with joint ventures? "PLENTY"... Read More
Most people become lax at maintaining their professional business network... Read More
How can the introduction of new products affect the way... Read More
Before we talk about specific networking tips I want to... Read More
The process of finding out about a job, getting interviewed,... Read More
When I walked into Dallas's famous Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse, all... Read More
Recently, while providing an up-and-coming Virtual Assistant (VA) and small... Read More
Are you tired of prospecting for new business?Are you sick... Read More
What's a gift mean? If you're like me, you probably... Read More
Why would you want to write information on paper when... Read More
One out of every ten Americans has a fear of... Read More
When is it appropriate to volunteer to take a position... Read More
Networking |