HOW TO GET MORE OUT OF NETWORKING AT AN EVENT
1) Going to a business networking event and succeeding only in passing out a number of business cards
is not building momentum for word-of-mouth referrals.
2) People want to help other people who are caring and generous and helpful themselves.
The biggest challenge is to actually be all of those things.
3) Don't brush off someone you meet who might not be in a field relevant to what you are looking for contacts in!
They might have a friend or business associate who does have the contacts in the field you are looking for!
4) If you are looking for a new job, ask everyone you meet at the event if they
might have a contact in that field for you to contact. People do want to help others!
5) Find someone new to talk with...Work the room!
6) Speak to someone standing alone - he or she is there to network and doesn't know how!
They will remember the person that made the effort to make the first introduction.
7) Actively listen...Pay attention to the person you're talking to.
When you are introduced, look them in the eye as you shake their hand and repeat their name aloud.
Nod and look interested when they are speaking to you.
8) Ask open-ended questions about the kinds of people that are their best clients.
9) Be the power broker. If there are two people in the room that can benefit from knowing
each other, introduce them. After making the introduction and explaining why, excuse yourself.
10) Follow-up! The next day, call or e-mail the contacts you made at the event.
This will act as a reminder of your services and they can pass your information on to
someone they might know who could utilize your services or buy your products.
11) Remember, the more networking events you attend, the more people you can meet and
the more you can grow your business and referral network!