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What To Do At A Business Networking Event
Invite Others to the Event
Let's step back for a second and think about the networking event you are going to attend. Do you know anyone else that might benefit from attending the networking event or the topic of the speaker at that event? Spread the word about networking event opportunities with people you know (your network) in advance so they can attend also.
Bring Business Cards
Before the networking event you'll want to make sure that you have enough business cards and a pen to make notes on the back of cards. Taking notes on the back of business cards will help you remember info about that person. I like to tell the other person that I'm going to write that down on the back of your card, it makes them feel what they said is important and lets you take notes that will help jog your memory.
Look at Peoples Name Tags
Scan the room for people who you would like to speak with by looking at their nametags and the name of their business. An easy introduction can be made by saying "hello, my name is Bob, what is (insert their business name) or what do you do at (insert their business name)? A general rule is people like to talk about themselves so this is a great way to invite them to talk.
So What if I'm Shy?
Look around the room, how many other people are looking like they feel the same way you do? There are always new networkers at every event. You may want to try an experiment by walking up to a person that looks out of place and saying "do you feel as uncomfortable as I do? I never know what to do at these things." Then introduce yourself. At a loss for words? If the conversation has gone idle just ask more questions like are you a member, how did you hear about this event, are you from this town? People respond to questions with conversation and it makes you and them feel more comfortable.
Networking Goals and Timing
Decide what your goals will be before the networking event. For some it may be to meet as many people as they can and gather as many business cards in the time allowed. Some networkers decide how much time to spend with each attendee they meet by asking key questions to determine if they have similar business interests. For others talking to a few people for 5-7 minutes or longer and jotting down some answers to qualifying questions helps them follow up at a later time. Whatever your strategy don't let time manage you, you can manage your time.
How Do I End Conversations?
Managing your time can be done tastefully if you remember to help people. You can close a conversation by asking if you can follow-up with them at a later date and thanking them for the conversation and excuse yourself. Another way is to tell them that you have someone you'd like them to meet. You can introduce them to someone else and tell them that you'll leave them to talk. Another way to politely excuse yourself is to get a drink or some food. Most networking events usually have refreshments and you can get pretty thirsty from talking.
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Business-to-business networking is about building relationships based on trust, and enabling your business to grow.
It's said that on average each person has 250 contacts. Each of those people is an opportunity.
What if you could reach out to those 250 people and gain access to the other 249 people that they know? If you trust each other, you may be able to do just that.
Just think what it would be like to gain access to over 60,000 possible clients...
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