Networking-tips and strategies to build your business.

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!