It’s My Party!!!
Have you ever gone to a networking event, reception or mixer and felt uncomfortable? Did you wonder who you should talk to and what you should talk about? Everyone has those feelings! But, here are some ideas to make your next networking event more comfortable and more effective for you.
Act like a host, not like a guest!
When you host a party at your home you would naturally engage everyone in conversation and make an effort to make them feel comfortable. This same concept applies at receptions or networking events. Remember that many other people are wondering what to do and would welcome the opportunity to talk with you. Take the initiative and act like the host or hostess at the next event you attend.
Bring your networking tools!
It is absolutely necessary to bring your business cards, a pen and possibly a few small brochures that fit easily in your purse or pocket. If you want the people you meet to remember you the following day, make sure you have business cards to present to them. Do not push your business cards on anyone. But, when appropriate exchange business cards and use your pen to write a few comments on the back. Then you can easily recall the people you met and communicate with them to set a follow-up appointment. It is important to treat business cards you receive from others with respect. Don’t just drop it in your pocket or purse. Take a few moments to look at the card, comment (favorably) on it or ask a follow-up question.
It’s all about the numbers!
Before you attend your networking event set a goal for the number of people you will meet. It is not just a smile or a nod, it is engaging someone is conversation and creating an opportunity to discuss your business and theirs. Because you want to talk with as many people as possible, try to spend ten minutes or less with each person. Setting a goal may keep you moving around the room and not just talking with your friends and associates.
Just the Facts!
When you are engaging someone in conversation, remember to act like a newspaper reporter and ask those five “W” questions: who what, where, when and why. People love to talk about themselves and asking them these five “W” questions will give them opportunity to do exactly that. Hopefully, the people you meet will reciprocate and ask you the same questions. If not, volunteer the information and describe your product or service. It is important to have a 30 second “elevator” speech so you can quickly and easily describe your business. As a result of your conversations with people at the mixer you should try to give them a suggestion, a lead or a referral whenever possible. Remember that “Giver’s Gain” and they will be eager to reciprocate and find a referral for you.
Whenever I am at a networking event I try to talk to as many people as possible. But, I feel the networking event is valuable if I can make one useful contact, one that will be worthwhile developing into a relationship. Remember that your efforts at networking will be wasted if you do not follow-up with these people. It is your actions in the following days that determine your success at any networking event.