Networking for your business can be one of your biggest assets if you do it properly, if you don’t then it can easily be a big waste of your time not to mention opportunity cost. Here is a list of 5 you can do when you decide to go on your next big networking event.
1.Get some business cards or marketing materials with your picture on it. – I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come back from an event with a handful of great looking business cards but can’t put a face to the company. It just makes the communication so much easier when we can link a face (pretty or not) to the business card.
2. Have your simple and precise pitch ready. – I’ve noticed that so many seasoned networkers have their cute or clever one-liners. The biggest problem with using one-liners is that they get a laugh, a smile or a chuckle, but not any serious connections or business opportunities. It’s better to use a simple formula like the one I just heard at Brendon Burchard’s Expert Academy event. I help “X” to do/understand “Y” so they can do “Z.”
3. Bring your High Energy, enthusiasm and positive vibes – So often people try too hard to fit in with everyone else or shrink their real personalities because they don’t know anyone and are afraid to stand out. This is not the time to be our low key selves. If your an introvert you must push yourself out there to connect with everyone with passion and fun. If you’re an extrovert well then you don’t need to be reminded how to enjoy meeting new people.
4. Sometimes it’s good to arrive late – I don”t make it a habit to arrive late to my professional meetings, however, at networking events it often times gives you that extra attention and a chance to interrupt the meeting and get noticed. Your host might be upset or offended but their reaction can often determine if you want to join their group or not.
5. Go as you are – Don’t get too caught up in to how you should dress or be over prepared. Some of the best networking events I’ve attended has been when I’m wearing shorts and a tee-shirt while I’m out on my bike ride. No business cards, expectations or a care in the world. On some occasions I’ve ended up connecting with the most awesome people and doing great business.
So let’s all go out there and make some new connections and let me know if you’ve got some crazy successful networking stories of your own?
All the Best,
Dominic Kotarski
