In my business I have found networking invaluable to making connections, building relationships and making friends, and I believe it is key for all small businesses to make the time to attend at least one group regularly. You can learn so much from networking, connections for your business, clients or personal life.
Here are my tips for making the most of a networking meeting:
• Elevator Pitch – before you go have clear in your mind when someone asks “what do you do” you can answer confidently in 30 seconds.
• See who is attending – have a look at the invitee list, are there people that you want to connect with, it could be services you need or clients you would like to have.
• Contact the organiser – This is always good if you would like to be introduced to someone, all the organisers I have contacted are always more than happy to make the introduction.
• # on Twitter – Is there a hash tag for the event, is everyone getting excited about the event, don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with others.
• One minute presentation – If you are able to do this, talk about how your services benefit your clients, tell the audience who you are hoping to work with or your niche.
• Talking to fellow members – Always ask about them and what they do, and when it comes to you say how your business will benefit them, this is far more effective than reeling of tasks that you can provide.
• What if the person I’m talking to is not in my niche area – They might know someone who is, so carry on talking and give them your card they may pass it on.
• Give a business card – This is a must, you could always put a picture on it so they remember what you look like.
• Email contacts after the event – I always follow up with people I have met, I find this keeps you in their mind, plus you can always email them before the next event to see if they are attending.
• Attend regularly – This is the only way to build relationships, people won’t buy from you the first time they meet you, it’s said that it takes at least 7 times of connecting with someone before they become a client.
One thing I would say is never collect all your business cards and put them on your newsletter list, many will ignore you or report you for spamming, if you think your newsletter could be of interest to them, email and ask them if they would like to subscribe.
When choosing a networking group:
• Research and see what is out there in your area.
• What is your budget, some groups are free others you pay yearly and then for each meeting, what can you afford.
• Who attends – are they the people you want to network with.
• Make the most of the trial sessions that most groups offer, get a feel of what the group is like, and then sign up.
One last point, don’t forget about relevant lunches, conferences and award ceremonies, these are not only very informative but a great place to network.
Have fun and you will start seeing the benefits.
Post by Jade Pluck of Virtually Anywhere
