HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF
NETWORKING
5 tips to improve your on and
offline networking.
Networking – whether on or
offline – is important (in some businesses it is an essential part of the
Business Development lifecycle).
But to many, it is an occupational
hazard with breakfast included!
We have been there – going along
to a networking event for the first time. Everyone is chomping their way
through an obligatory bacon sandwich and standing in pairs, chatting like old
friends to the exclusion of everyone else. You linger a little too long
at the coffee machine hoping that someone will come and speak to you, but when
you realise that this is not going to happen, you turn to face the room.
The easy option is to go and stand in a corner. The brave thing to do is
to approach a fellow networker and strike up a conversation. It is
tough. And believe me, it never seems to get any easier to do
However, if you are serious about
growing your business, then networking is a necessary evil. Follow these
5 essential tips to make the most out of your on and offline networking
opportunities;
- Choose your event carefully. Make sure that it is likely to be
attended by people who would be interested in your and your services
whilst having something to offer in return. Don’t rule out smaller
events with the misconception that no-one will buy what you have to sell
(and on that note, a word of caution; nobody goes to a networking event
with the intention of buying a product or service – so don’t try an immediate
hard sell. It will only serve to put off the people who you meet and
you may notice that they start to avoid you in the future). Remember
also that exchanging a business card is not a guarantee that you will work
together – all business relationships take time and effort
- Get engaged. Don’t just be interesting – be interested. Engage
with your network. Be visible (both on and offline). Try
asking open questions and engage people in conversations.
- Never eat alone. If your event is during a mealtime,
this is an excellent opportunity to meet new people – and the great thing
is, you will have something to talk about (food!) Be prepared with
some interesting topics of conversation as there is nothing worse than an
awkward silence!
- Give and Take (but mainly give). Relationships are built on
trust. It is unlikely that you will build trust if you immediately
go in for a ‘hard sell’ with someone that you have just met or just
connected with – try offering something to your new found connection
instead (this could be an introduction to another connection, an offer of
a catch up over coffee etc)
- Location, Location, Location. Some of the very best networking
opportunities are at events that are not specifically designed for
networking. Take every opportunity to network. Get outside of
your comfort zone (even just a little bit). Carry your business
cards wherever you go and hand them out freely. Make sure you follow
up
No amount of tips are going to
take away the nervous feeling that you get when you are heading into the
unknown of a networking event for the first time – we are only human after
all. But remember, once you are comfortable at the event, try and reach
out to newcomers who may be experiencing those first-timer’s feelings that you
once felt!
If you are serious about growing
your business but are struggling to make the first steps in developing a
business strategy, then give us a call. Connect with us on LinkedIn (or any
other social media platform). Come and speak to us at a networking event or
drop us a line – all of our contact details are below.
