Last week I spoke at an event and gave some tips on networking. Having done this for over nine years I have picked up some useful things from other great networkers.
Before you attend any networking event ensure you are prepared, have a badge, business cards and most importantly of all you marketing message – or also known as your elevator speech. This is mine to help you with this, ensure you outline the key benefits of what you do and explain very simply to others what you do....
Sarah Byrne, Mosaic Events, Saving time, Reducing Cost, Adding Value for corporate events. From conference 400 to exhibition for 1,000 we can help everything from full event management to just finding your venue.
Ensure you arrive early at any event so you can relax and focus, it always good to ask for the delegate list in advance of the event so you can plan you would like to meet, go to the event with a plan and goals of what you want to get out of it so you can measure if this has been a success.
If you cannot get there early, a daunting thought is always arriving then having to break into existing groups of people already networking. Will Kintish talks about this in his sessions – (which I would really recommend) but look for individuals that may be alone on the outskirts of the room or head straight for the drinks table there are often people who have just arrived there that you can engage with.
If not then look around the room for open groups of people talking in threes or odd numbers - these are usually easier groups to break into, simply ask them Do you mind if I join you? When I say open groups I mean those that are standing with space to join them. Individuals standing in twos are usually harder to break into as they will often be deep already in conversation.
Be a giver and a connector –host and introduce others both at the event and outside of this. Leave your troubles behind if you have had a bad day then leave it outside the door, people want to do business and get to know happy people that they can build long lasting relationships with!The biggest tip of all is LISTEN!! Listen with focus. When someone is speaking with you, give that person your entire focus. LISTEN. Really hear what the person is saying. Listen twice as much and talk half as much.
Don't Sell. Networking is about building relationships. At every opportunity, teach others about who you are, as a person, and what it is that you do. Always present a clear emphasis on the type of client that you are looking for. Most of all be genuine in your interactions with others.
Finally Follow up. So many people forget or get bogged down when back at the office you will stand out for this. After the event, for those you felt synergy with drop them a line either on email or telephone mention something from your discussion or if you have promised to send some information over then do so. Where appropriate follow up and arrange to meet further to discuss their business in more detail.
We would love to hear any networking tips you have email us on enquiries@mosaicevents.co.uk
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