Tips for Better Networking
I’d like to offer you what I see as the most important steps to effective business networking. Consider them as you think about future business connections.
1. Plan ahead. Set a goal for any meeting or event. Are you trying to connect with as many people as you can, or maybe just one or two really strong business contacts? Strategize on how you will work the room: how long to spend in one conversation, and when to move on. I've also found that one of the most attractive qualities is confidence, so remember to look your best, and bring your best self to each encounter.
2. Perfect your message. We all probably heard that we should come up with a 30-second elevator speech. I think this is a great idea. Describe your service or what problem you can solve for them or their contacts. But keep it short. You don’t want to waste valuable networking time on someone that is not a fit or may even be a competitor. On the other hand, don’t be hasty. Perhaps this person, while not a good contact themselves, knows the perfect person for you! Maybe they can even introduce you! So ask if they know of anyone who might need your product or services. And remember to reciprocate. Ask them who THEIR ideal connection would be.
3. Be prepared. Have a supply of business cards with you. Keep them in your car, your purse, your wallet, your phone case. People want that piece of contact information and having your business card is key you to seeming and being professional. If a flyer about an upcoming event makes sense, have a supply of those with you as well. Also, if you know that certain contacts you are interested in connecting with will be at a gathering, do some homework. Look up their company website and social media so that the conversation will flow more easily. Collect cards from those you meet. After the event, while the information is still fresh in my mind, I like to write down a few notes on each card I collect so that I can remember the conversation. Once I get back to the office, I can scan the card into my contact software. But having notes on the card is extremely helpful in helping me retain the specifics.
4. Follow up. Today, most people email follow-ups. For ‘nice-to-meet-you’ follow-ups, email is fine. If the person is someone you really want to connect with, however, call them. Voice-to-voice is the next best thing to face-to-face. Then make a follow-up appointment at their business, or meet for coffee or lunch. Personally, I like lunch. We all have to eat, so the meeting seems natural. If you offer to pay, all the better. Just don’t pester them. You want to have a relaxed, service-oriented attitude, not a desperate air about you. Finally, if you get a referral from someone, send them a thank-you note—on real paper. This has worked wonders for me. People comment that so few people use snail-mail, yet they so enjoy getting a thoughtful, handwritten note. That makes me stand out!
1. Plan ahead. Set a goal for any meeting or event. Are you trying to connect with as many people as you can, or maybe just one or two really strong business contacts? Strategize on how you will work the room: how long to spend in one conversation, and when to move on. I've also found that one of the most attractive qualities is confidence, so remember to look your best, and bring your best self to each encounter.
2. Perfect your message. We all probably heard that we should come up with a 30-second elevator speech. I think this is a great idea. Describe your service or what problem you can solve for them or their contacts. But keep it short. You don’t want to waste valuable networking time on someone that is not a fit or may even be a competitor. On the other hand, don’t be hasty. Perhaps this person, while not a good contact themselves, knows the perfect person for you! Maybe they can even introduce you! So ask if they know of anyone who might need your product or services. And remember to reciprocate. Ask them who THEIR ideal connection would be.
3. Be prepared. Have a supply of business cards with you. Keep them in your car, your purse, your wallet, your phone case. People want that piece of contact information and having your business card is key you to seeming and being professional. If a flyer about an upcoming event makes sense, have a supply of those with you as well. Also, if you know that certain contacts you are interested in connecting with will be at a gathering, do some homework. Look up their company website and social media so that the conversation will flow more easily. Collect cards from those you meet. After the event, while the information is still fresh in my mind, I like to write down a few notes on each card I collect so that I can remember the conversation. Once I get back to the office, I can scan the card into my contact software. But having notes on the card is extremely helpful in helping me retain the specifics.
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