Effective Networking: how to capture new clients and build your business
Networking can get you a job or otherwise expand your business horizons. The key to networking is not only taking the initiative ' and refining your conversational skills, but also knowing what events to attend with people who need your products/services (or know others who do) it will create a natural interest in knowing more about you and your business/services.
Fundamentals:
Business cards (easily accessible)
Handshake: firm, palm-to-palm grip with solid wrist
Nametag: First and last name and the company name, high on the right shoulder
Details:
Location/direction: fashionably late is not advised
Invitation: where, when, time
Dress attire: being either over dressed or underdressed is not appropriate
Strategy:
YOU are the business
Dress appropriately: no wrinkles, stains or clothing that is either to tight, revealing or to loose
Well-groomed: make sure your hair, make-up (if applicable) and nails are well maintained
Be sincere in connecting with the other attendee’s, you never know who that next big break will come from
Assert confidence
ALWAYS smile
Review a list of sponsors/committee members and attendee’s
What is the purpose of the event and why are you attending
Mingling:
Never stand off to the side of the room, go straight to where the attendee’s are gathering
Initiate dialogue and introduce yourself
Ask for a business card, ALWAYS look at the card, read it’s content before putting it away-this shows respect and sincerity
Spend 3-8 minutes with each person, if the conversation is lasting longer, ask to set up a meeting at a later date
Move On
Creating genuine bonds:
Listen attentively
Eye contact is imperative, it shows a genuine interest
Engage in effective conversation
Have a prepared short and memorable pitch about you and what you offer, don’t ramble
Clearly communicate
Be mindful of your body language-folder arms shows that you are not interested http://changingminds.org/techniques/body/body_language.htm
Never talk with food in your mouth
After the event what is your professional responsibility:
Follow up: if you said you would call, then call, send an email, make a third party introduction, set up a meeting
Just do it
Utilize these tips at the next networking event. The reality is people want to do business with people they know and trust. You build relationships in time. Networking events are not just about collecting business cards; they are to form new relationships. Be yourself, be honest and most importantly, have fun!