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| A solid handshake can be the first step towards forming a relationship. |
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I’m a habitual networker. I just can’t stop. I network everywhere I go.
Why? Because I have made business connections that resulted in signing contracts at every kind of event you can name.
The purpose of networking is not to collect a pocket full of business cards. It is to connect and begin a conversation that will lead to forming some level of meaningful relationship.
The biggest reason I love networking is that I love people. The synergy created by the buzz in a room full of people at a conference is energizing.
As we learned through COVID, engaging online is totally different than engaging with others live and in-person.
Networking is an inexpensive but highly effective marketing tool. It is a great way to build your personal or company brand.
For some, networking is natural and easy. For others,
it is one of the most frightening exercises you can imagine.
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| Develop a strategy. Put your game face on! |
If you accept that your brand is what others think it is, developing your networking skills will help you make a great first impression.
Becoming a networking champion requires strategy, discipline and focus. This post offers tips that will help improve your game. The more you do it, the better you will become.
How to Prepare
Meaningful conversation is daunting for some
people. If that describes you, spend time each week reading articles about current affairs, sports, local
issues and political or business topics.
If you can only spend an hour per week studying, do
it. If you can spend more time, that is even better. It won’t take many weeks until
you accumulate a bank of knowledge that you can draw on.
There are two reasons why expanding your knowledge bank is
important.
1.
It allows you to contribute and add value to conversations
2.
It provides a background for asking smart questions
3.
It gives you confidence
Business Card
Your business card is your badge. Take them
everywhere.
If you own your company, invest in a designer. Format
your card so it is clean and engaging. Make sure the key contact information
flows and is easy to read.
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| You are the first impression. You're business card is the second. |
Invest in thicker paper. Saving $50 on printing costs will be lost if your prospect forms a negative impression due to a flimsy card that is cluttered with unneeded information.
Place your cards in one pocket and organize them so you can
easily pull them out facing the right way. Take the other person’s card, look at
it, and place it in your opposite pocket.
Never be in the position of having to sort through used tissues or $10 in change to find your card. Also, don't be the person who carries a smudged, bent card "somewhere" in their wallet.
Never be in the position of having to sort through used tissues or $10 in change to find your card. Also, don't be the person who carries a smudged, bent card "somewhere" in their wallet.
At receptions of 3,000 or more, you may gather 20-30 cards. After you finish a conversation, move to the side
and write relevant notes on the back of each person's card. The cues will remind you why you need to remember who they are.
Who Will be There
Check out upcoming events to gain a sense of who will be there. If you have access to a list of attendees, which many converences provide, identify
people you want to meet.
As a brand specialist, I aim for the Marketing or Communications VP or the business owner.
As a brand specialist, I aim for the Marketing or Communications VP or the business owner.
Visit their LinkedIn profile and company website. I can
guarantee they will check out yours if you make a good impression at the event.
LinkedIn profiles give you conversation starters for when you finally meet
them.
Don’t overthink the preparation. If it is a business event there will
probably be people you want to meet. I have attended events where I didn't know anyone and left
with 3-4 solid leads.
Segmenting Targets
In creating your plan, think in terms of segments. This
informal process will help you think strategically.
- 1. Prospects
- 2. Existing clients
- 3. Suppliers
- 4. Collaborative partners
- 5. Connectors/Influencers
- 6. Information sources
In the above list, 1-4 are self
explanatory. As for 5 and 6, a connector or influencer is someone who can introduce you to other
people. An information source is someone who can provide key information about things you need to know about prospective clients.
Never undervalue a conversation.
Respect everyone.
Why? First, it’s the professional thing to do. Second,
you never know what influence the person you are talking to has or who they will become. Third, the person
you really want to impress may observe you being a jerk. A bad first impression
is hard to overcome.
Social Media
Keep your social media channels up-to-date and business-focused. If your name is googled, what will come up? Try it. Now google my name.
Your LinkedIn profile is key. It is strictly business. If you're not sure how to set up an account or what elements make the best first impression, google it.
In today's business environment, there is no night and day because of social media. There is no degree of separation between your career life and your personal life. If your personal accounts are loaded with rants or lewd comments, get rid of them. They will be found.
Goal Setting
Part of the networking fun is enjoying the spontaneity of the moment. You never know who you might meet or what you might learn.The key is to keep moving from person to person. Setting goals will help keep you
focused and mentally engaged. They will remind you to keep moving from person to person and not become
bogged down.
One goal may be to gather
information to use later. Another may be to identify specific people who make decisions about the products or services that you'd like to sell.
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| Setting goals will help you stay focused. |
Cue the Elevator Speech
A killer elevator speech is meant to be a conversation-starter
about your business. The challenge is to use as few words as possible. A well-crafted speech will qualify your ability to meet client needs
while hinting at the benefits you offer. It will prompt them to want to know more.
How do You Help People?
Today's most effective advertising tells stories about products, services or companies that solve problems. Often, the brand is not even mentioned until
the very end.
The same principle applies to networking. First, you
must earn the right to tell your story. You must form an introductory relationship
through meaningful conversation.
At some point the other person will ask what you do
which provides a natural transition to your elevator speech.
Where to Find Events
The best way to network is to go to events where there
will be people you want to meet.
I connected with a new client during the reception
following a funeral. I would never have been able to break through his gatekeeper system through cold
calling. Much of his business is conducted in other countries where he spends much of his time.
I connected with another client at a fundraising
event. I was there because I believed in the cause and meeting my new client
was a bonus.
Of course, there are invitation only events. Call the receptionist at the host organization and ask to be added to the list. If that doesn't work, call someone in your network that has an "in" and ask if you can go as their guest. Don't be timid.
Of course, there are invitation only events. Call the receptionist at the host organization and ask to be added to the list. If that doesn't work, call someone in your network that has an "in" and ask if you can go as their guest. Don't be timid.
·
Signup for newsletters from associations that have
events where you want to be
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Connect through social media with organizations
that produce events
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Read the business news sections of newspapers
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Scan through trade magazines
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Check trade show schedules at your local convention
centre
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Join your chamber of commerce
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Call and ask for specific information
Action! Take One
The day of the event has arrived. You’re all set.
You enter the room and feel the buzz of conversation. You approach your first
prospect.
Open the conversation by extending your right hand. Lean in
slightly and make solid eye contact as you say the person's name.
People automatically respond to this timeless tradition.
Conversely, end a conversation the same way. You never need to feel uncomfortable ending a conversation. Extend your right hand, express how glad you are to have met them and move to the food or drinks bar.
Body Language
A great smile is your number one tool of engagement. Look
like a person someone else would like to meet.
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Active listening is central to meaningful
communication. Listening implies you are not talking! Head nods with positive verbal
sounds acknowledge you hear what is being said. Watch their body language for
hidden messages.
Stand with your feet slightly apart. Do not
slouch. Eye contact is important, but don’t be creepy.
What to Wear
Wear appropriate clothes. If there will be senior executives in attendance, a suit and open-neck shirt may be appropriate.
I’ve spoken at trades conferences where trades people wore their Jobsite cloths while manning the company booth and later at the reception. They looked – and felt – totally out of place.
I’ve spoken at trades conferences where trades people wore their Jobsite cloths while manning the company booth and later at the reception. They looked – and felt – totally out of place.
For some events, the opposite may be true. I live in Calgary,
Alberta. We host the world-famous Exhibition and Stampede that draws 1.3
million people. Churches, communities, politicians and various companies host 100's of private and public pancake breakfasts and barbecues. It is a networking festival.
People never wear business suits. They dress in western wear for
the duration of the 10-day event. If you wear a suit everyone knows you are
from somewhere else.
Make some calls and find out what the dress code
is. If in doubt, chose casual business with a sports jacket. If no-one else is wearing a jacket, take yours off.
Follow Up
A company exhibited at trade shows
throughout North America. They seldom followed up most of the contacts that were
made. Followup is where the gold is.
Email the people you met the following day
if possible. Make a short relevant comment about the event. Ask for permission
to keep in contact in the future. Next, find their LinkedIn profile or other social media channel and send a request
to friend, follow or connect.
If you have a regular email program, add their
name. That provides a natural way to stay in contact by offering value
through providing relevant content. They can opt-out if your enews is not wanted.
Network Everywhere
- Business conferences
- Business networking clubs
- Professional events
- Community events
- Service clubs
- Sports events
- Political events
- Church
- Funerals
- Weddings
- Social events
- Seminars
- In the mall
- On vacation
Bonus - What Not to Do
- Do not force your business card into a prospect’s hand while machine-gunning a story of how amazing you are
- Do not force yourself into an existing conversation. The participants will soon move to another part of the room
- Do not be a Dominating Darrell. DDs are considered obnoxious
- Do not try to prove you are the smartest, the trendiest or the most successful person in the room
- Do not try to pass yourself off as something you are not
- Do not mistake the social side of networking for the business side
What do you think? Are you an avid networker? Do you have tips? I want to hear from you. Please comment below.
Robyn T. Braley is a brand specialist, writer, and speaker. He is also a media commentator and Rotarian. Robyn is the President of UniMark Creative which does website design, video production, media services (editorial and advertising), and graphic design. He speaks at business conferences and also blogs about branding.
Contact Robyn
Email: robyn@robyntbraley.com Connect on LinkedIn Follow on Twitter: @RobynTBraley
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This is nice blog which will be helpful for both user whether its beginner or somebody who wants to improve more in business networking clubs. It emphasis right from what to wear and what one should do and shouldnt be done.
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