How to make your network more efficient
Have you ever wondered how people get to events and attract potential prospects like honeypots? While you are standing in the corner with your drink, hoping that someone will stop by to talk to you, you might be wondering.
These keys will help you attract more business through networking events.
Not for sale
Elevator pitch
Talk about them first
Who are your “big fish?”
Take control of the room
Right events
Koffee
1. Not for sale
Networking is more than selling. It’s about building business relationships and meeting new people. It’s not about closing the deal.
2. Elevator Pitches
The majority of people form impressions within a matter of 10-15 seconds after meeting someone. These seconds are important. When someone asks you what you do, don’t simply answer “I work as an accountant.” You can say, “I help businesses save cash”, which will naturally lead to the question “How do they do that?” Then you can describe the value you bring to the table.
3. First, talk about them
There is nothing more boring than someone talking non-stop about themselves. They often speak incessantly about their lives at networking events, and then they hand you a business card.
This is not a good way to establish business relationships.
Ask as many questions as possible and learn everything you can about them.
It’s polite. Dale Carneige, in his book How to Win Friends and Influence People, stated that it’s better to be interested than to be boring.
Each question I ask I try to think of ways that I can help the person I am asking. You can either introduce them to someone or send them information after the event.
Asking questions can help you decide if they are the right contact for you.
Ask them for their business cards. Instead of putting your business card in their hands, ask them.
4. Who are your “Big Fish?”
It’s a bit like going to seaside for a networking event. There are many fish around, including small and large fish, as well as plastic bags.
Big Fish is the right person to talk to. You want to talk to people who can be of use to you. These people could be your target clients, key suppliers, or key influencers. Small fish are very useful, but plastic carrier bags are of no use.
Find out who will be attending an event before you go. Next, find out who your Big Fish is. You won’t be able to find your Big Fish if you don’t know their names.
5. Take control of the room
Do not be a guest, but a host.
Hosts are easy to talk with. They bring people together. They are the ones who own the room. Pretend you’re the host when you network. This increases your confidence and allows you to control the room. It’s true that when you meet strangers, you can simply walk up to them and say, “Hi Matthew, would you mind if we join you?” I have never met anyone who said no…
6. Right Events
You need to meet the right people. It is important to fish where the largest fish swim. You should only go to events where you can catch the fish that you are interested in.
7. Coffee!
This post was originally titled Networking isn’t selling. This means that you don’t want to make a sale. You want to have a great post-event meeting with big fish.
If you feel the conversation is progressing well, say “it would be helpful to continue this discussion when it’s less busy.” Would you mind if I gave you a call in the next few days to set up a coffee date? “.
Next, take their card and keep a note reminding them to call you. You have made your networking a success!
