Invariably the first major hurdle to be overcome is simply going to your first event. Choosing from the myriad and not knowing what to expect can be daunting.
Many people are understandably nervous about walking into a roomful of strangers. How to start conversations can be an issue never mind achieving a positive result at the end of it.
Merely attending multiple networking events is unlikely to be successful. As with all other subjects a planned approach with some measured objectives is critical.
Herein are 6 top tips for successfully working the room at a networking event:
Your objective is to create meaningful business relationships. Eating, drinking and socialising should take second place. Plan to meet and follow up on at least 3 new contacts. Make sure you gather business cards as well as give them out.
If you build an email database make sure any communications you send out are meaningful and informative. Always, always give recipients the opportunity to quickly unsubscribe.
Don't wait for people to talk to you, walk up to people and introduce yourself. You are all there for the same reason after all and no one is better than you. If it is a new event ask the host to introduce you to the most relevant contact in the room. Try to remember names; you know how uncomfortable it can be when someone forgets yours?
Don't start a conversation by talking about yourself. People like to talk about themselves and their business. Good questions would be; ‘How did you get started in business?' or ‘You have been very successful, what's your secret?' Build a rapport.
Typically we all have 250 contacts in our individual network. Someone perfect for you may be in there and you need to connect. Try to understand the depth of their network. Ask what other events they attend, what organisations are they members of? Do they have a specialist background?
People hate being sold to. Aim to ‘Help not Sell.' Find out what your new networking contact needs and try to help them. Offer ideas, suggestions, and useful contacts. Be mindful however, of offering too much assistance before you are sure your relationship will be mutually beneficial.
Networking works but you need to stay active. You will not only forge relationships with people who will buy your product; you will also develop a network of professionals who can help you. Gain new suppliers, partners and ideas for the future.
Get out there and keep doing it but be yourself. Good business is generally only done with people who like you and you like them. It will take time to build trust but ultimately it is this trust that will pay dividends.
Source :- http://www.articlesbase.com/networking-articles/networking-tips-for-success-5679091.html
Many people are understandably nervous about walking into a roomful of strangers. How to start conversations can be an issue never mind achieving a positive result at the end of it.
Merely attending multiple networking events is unlikely to be successful. As with all other subjects a planned approach with some measured objectives is critical.
Herein are 6 top tips for successfully working the room at a networking event:
Your objective is to create meaningful business relationships. Eating, drinking and socialising should take second place. Plan to meet and follow up on at least 3 new contacts. Make sure you gather business cards as well as give them out.
If you build an email database make sure any communications you send out are meaningful and informative. Always, always give recipients the opportunity to quickly unsubscribe.
Don't wait for people to talk to you, walk up to people and introduce yourself. You are all there for the same reason after all and no one is better than you. If it is a new event ask the host to introduce you to the most relevant contact in the room. Try to remember names; you know how uncomfortable it can be when someone forgets yours?
Don't start a conversation by talking about yourself. People like to talk about themselves and their business. Good questions would be; ‘How did you get started in business?' or ‘You have been very successful, what's your secret?' Build a rapport.
Typically we all have 250 contacts in our individual network. Someone perfect for you may be in there and you need to connect. Try to understand the depth of their network. Ask what other events they attend, what organisations are they members of? Do they have a specialist background?
People hate being sold to. Aim to ‘Help not Sell.' Find out what your new networking contact needs and try to help them. Offer ideas, suggestions, and useful contacts. Be mindful however, of offering too much assistance before you are sure your relationship will be mutually beneficial.
Networking works but you need to stay active. You will not only forge relationships with people who will buy your product; you will also develop a network of professionals who can help you. Gain new suppliers, partners and ideas for the future.
Get out there and keep doing it but be yourself. Good business is generally only done with people who like you and you like them. It will take time to build trust but ultimately it is this trust that will pay dividends.
Source :- http://www.articlesbase.com/networking-articles/networking-tips-for-success-5679091.html
