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Whether you are a startup or have a long business history, networking gives you a rare opportunity to meet potential customers or investors. The best entrepreneurs have mastered the art of business conversation. They don’t just walk out of networking events with numbers on a phonebook. They walk out with deals.
This post will explore the best networking tips to maximize the benefits for your business.
It’s a networking event, not a date. You don’t need fancy pickup lines; a simple age-old “how do you do” will do just fine.
Prepare a simple back-up question like” What motivates you to attend this event?” or “What have you been doing lately?”
Tiffany Han, a business coach, insists on having a conversation instead of prospecting for the right moment to pitch your business. She explains that “A pitching opportunity will present itself soon enough on its own, so it's important first to establish a personal connection when meeting someone.”
When you meet people at these events, be mindful of time. Introduce yourself and briefly explain why you are there. Aim for four to eight-minute chats.
In a recent Havard Business Review Study, 70% of respondents said that they found networking events to be intimidating. Keeping things short is a great way to establish easy relationships.
Resist the temptation to talk too much and monopolize the conversation. Instead, listen more, ask, and follow up with additional questions.
“Go into networking with the idea of how you can help out. Advice, tips, or a friendly intro can make a big difference and make you memorable,” says Kraig Kleeman, founder of The New Workforce.
Most networking happens outside of the conference itself. Keep an eye out for break-out events such as happy hour or coffee meetups.
Use breakout sessions to build intimacy with the interesting people you just met. This is an opportunity to strike in-depth conversations and learn more about them and what they do.
Nonetheless, it’s wise to manage expectations. Not all such talks are meaningful. Plus, you may not have a smooth connection with some people, no matter how hard you try. That's ok. You can try it again.
After the networking event, be sure to stay in touch to cement your relationships and arrange a one-to-one meeting.
Send a follow-up email, letter, or LinkedIn message within 24 hours of meeting them. To help them recall who you are, you can mention a topic you discussed at the event.
Once the two of you have established rapport, offer help before jumping to ask a favor. For example, you could link the contact with someone or send a document you had promised.
Networking is a strategic game, not a quick-sell scheme. To succeed, you must be consistent without getting pushy. Keep your conversations simple and short, and follow up on potential leads after the event.
Don’t forget breakouts where you can turn leads into friendships. Above all, smile! You are not on a first-time date. Chill out, shake hands, and have fun.
Whether you are a startup or have a long business history, networking gives you a rare opportunity to meet potential customers or investors. The best entrepreneurs have mastered the art of business conversation. They don’t just walk out of networking events with numbers on a phonebook. They walk out with deals.
This post will explore the best networking tips to maximize the benefits for your business.
It’s a networking event, not a date. You don’t need fancy pickup lines; a simple age-old “how do you do” will do just fine.
Prepare a simple back-up question like” What motivates you to attend this event?” or “What have you been doing lately?”
Tiffany Han, a business coach, insists on having a conversation instead of prospecting for the right moment to pitch your business. She explains that “A pitching opportunity will present itself soon enough on its own, so it's important first to establish a personal connection when meeting someone.”
When you meet people at these events, be mindful of time. Introduce yourself and briefly explain why you are there. Aim for four to eight-minute chats.
In a recent Havard Business Review Study, 70% of respondents said that they found networking events to be intimidating. Keeping things short is a great way to establish easy relationships.
Resist the temptation to talk too much and monopolize the conversation. Instead, listen more, ask, and follow up with additional questions.
“Go into networking with the idea of how you can help out. Advice, tips, or a friendly intro can make a big difference and make you memorable,” says Kraig Kleeman, founder of The New Workforce.
Most networking happens outside of the conference itself. Keep an eye out for break-out events such as happy hour or coffee meetups.
Use breakout sessions to build intimacy with the interesting people you just met. This is an opportunity to strike in-depth conversations and learn more about them and what they do.
Nonetheless, it’s wise to manage expectations. Not all such talks are meaningful. Plus, you may not have a smooth connection with some people, no matter how hard you try. That's ok. You can try it again.
After the networking event, be sure to stay in touch to cement your relationships and arrange a one-to-one meeting.
Send a follow-up email, letter, or LinkedIn message within 24 hours of meeting them. To help them recall who you are, you can mention a topic you discussed at the event.
Once the two of you have established rapport, offer help before jumping to ask a favor. For example, you could link the contact with someone or send a document you had promised.
Networking is a strategic game, not a quick-sell scheme. To succeed, you must be consistent without getting pushy. Keep your conversations simple and short, and follow up on potential leads after the event.
Don’t forget breakouts where you can turn leads into friendships. Above all, smile! You are not on a first-time date. Chill out, shake hands, and have fun.
