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I'm not good at networking....Tips to help YOU
Unless you are a retail business, most of your new business will come from referrals. Networking effectively will be an important tool in keeping your business alive.
I’m not good at networking, I have to work at it. Here’s what works for me – 6 tips or more if you request them – serialised over the coming weeks.
Networking Tip No1 – Set clear, measurable objectives before you get there. What sort of organizations do you want to meet? What level of responsibility? What do you want to get out of that conversation? Will the outcome be an email, referral to a colleague, coffee together or proposal – How far can you take it?
Networking Tip No2 – Speak to the Organisers about the guest list. Is it available beforehand for you to research? or at the event? Ask for introductions to your ‘most wanted’ people or ask around to find them. No list, no badges, means more of a challenge but it isn’t impossible to come away with some hot prospects.
Networking Tip No3 – Arrive early. Sounds basic but it makes networking with new people and old faces so much easier. They seek you out and you’re not trying to break into existing groupings.
Networking Tip No4 – Be courteous and polite to EVERYONE. Glide between groupings. Work out set phrases you feel happy to use to allow you to move around. Would you like me to introduce… Have you met anyone who… I must just refill… I promised I would do something for someone…work out your own favourites.
Tip No5 – LISTEN! when you are conversing. Ask probing questions designed to get you closer to meeting your objectives, without sounding too pushy – practice this with work colleagues. Don’t overstay your conversation. What brings you here? is a good starter, but never respond yourself with “a Taxi!” it’s too agressive!
Tip No6 – Write facts down. Write facts and memory triggers on the back of their business card, on a small notepad – find a quiet corner to do this if needed but don’t think you will remember stuff – you won’t. Business issues? Who you know in common? Where they grew up? Where they live? Sports they are involved with? Charities they support? Very few facts make the 24 hour trip from short to long term memory before memory displacement takes place. Help yourself with memory trigger notes and a good database and search facility!
Tip No7 – FOLLOW UP all the contacts you make, if even to say “it was great to see you there”
