Business Networking Success - 10 Action
Tips To Get More Mileage From Your Networking
Submitted By: Lynda Goldman
Does a networking event make you break
into a cold sweat? Have you ever returned
from a business event wondering why you
bothered going, since you never seem to
get any new business?
You’re not alone. Business events can
be daunting. It can be downright intimidating
to enter a room filled with strangers,
break into a crowd where you don’t know
a soul, and make small talk with people
you hardly know.
Studies show that over 40 percent of
adults feel nervous about meeting new
people. One survey showed that about 75
percent of people feel uncomfortable at
business and social events. Perhaps this
is because our parents always told us
not to talk to strangers when we were
young.
But the rewards for networking can be
enormous. Networking isn’t hit and run
– meeting someone, exchanging business
cards, and dashing off to the next person.
It’s about building sincere, honest relationships.
It’s an ongoing process that connects
you to people in all areas of your life.
Here are 10 action tips to help you succeed
at networking:
1. Learn networking skills. Most successful
networks are not born that way. They learn
the skills of networking, because they
know that the rewards will be increased
business and connections that will help
them build their business.
2. Think about networking as a way to
build long term relationships – not to
sell on the spot.
3. Be approachable and friendly. You’ll
attract people to you. Smile, make eye
contact, and approach people. They will
be grateful that you made the first move,
and they will be happy to talk to you.
4. Act like a host, even when you are
a guest. Offer to help people find the
restroom or the coat check. Treat them
like you would treat a guest in your home.
5.Always follow up. Nothing happens unless
you follow up, and not many people bother
to make the first move. Take the time
to send a handwritten card or note, or
an email. Or pick up the phone and call.
So few people do this, that you’ll stand
out in the crowd.
6. Think about how you will introduce
yourself. Create a memorable tagline to
help people remember you and your company.
7. Plan your conversation before you
leave the house by thinking of topics
of interest for the people you will meet.
Think about the event, and how you can
build on topics relevant to the conference
or venue.
8. Listen carefully to people, and pick
up on topics. Find common ground and expand
on it. Find out what people are interested
in, and what problems they are having.
This way you’ll find out if you can help
them or refer them to someone in your
network
9. Think of yourself as a solution-finder,
rather than a sales person. Not everyone
can use your product or service, but the
people you meet can often refer you to
friends and colleagues. Aim to build long-term
relationships that lead to a bigger circle
of customers.
10. Be cheerful and have fun at your
networking event. You’ll attract people
and make a great impression.
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