Many will look at networking events as something that needs to be done after hours. I beg to differ because I see it as a business activity. For this reason I personally prefer to engage in networking activities during business hours. Now I realise this doesn’t work for everyone but what happens when you are at a networking event? Firstly get your mindset thinking about how you can grow your business with networking.
Business networking is a great way for you to build relationships, grow your knowledge base and get more visibility for your brand. We know how lonely the business journey can be, particularly if you run a small business. Networking can help you form your own support network with like-minded professionals. You will also learn from experts across different industries and gain referrals for new business. What is there not to gain from attending business networking events?
Here are some of my tips to get the most out of your next attendance at a networking event.
Be Present
As the saying goes, you won’t grow your business network hiding behind your tech (like you are right now). There are many places you will find networking events advertised with groups on LinkedIn and Facebook being one option of many. Also consider there is nothing stopping you from starting your own networking catchup. Some business networking groups offer an expensive membership so starting your own event could be a practical solution. Remember networking events are all about having an open conversation with others in business, nothing more complicated than that.
Be Prepared
Make sure you know your elevator pitch – that is how you introduce yourself and your business. There is nothing worse than not being able to articulate what you do. I find a simple sentence that sparks an interest in learning more really engages conversation. As an example, “At Maestro Media, we help businesses get noticed”. I would also encourage you to have your contact details handy which doesn’t always mean having physical business cards. Consider creating a QR code that your connections can scan from your phone to save your contact details or, even better jump into your mailing list.
Be a Great Listener
Open your ears and know as much as this is the time for you to share about your business, it is also a learning opportunity. Active listening works well in this environment so be sure to listen intently and keep the conversation going with open questions. It’s a two way street: if you want others to learn about your business you need to demonstrate you are learning about theirs.
Be Proactive
Remember when you met someone at that last business event and promised to contact them for a further catch up? Don’t be afraid to save notes in your phone during a networking event on tasks you need to follow up on. There’s nothing worse than making a promise you can’t keep; it’s a reflection on how you operate your business and your brand. Likewise it’s a nice followup to send a LinkedIn request or an email to thank your newly established connection for the conversation.
Be Generous
What could you give back to your new found connection? Consider a business referral to be only one of many ways you could give back in a networking setting. My other suggestions include making an introduction outside of the networking event or sharing your own expertise – please do not confuse this with giving away your own IP for free. Treat your business network as you would your own friends, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by an equally supportive group of friends in business.
As you can see, with a little preparation, business networking events can be the gift that keeps on giving. It’s about creating a supportive network for yourself that you can also contribute to.
Not sure how to start your own business networking event close to where you work? Contact me when you are ready. I would love to help you create your own powerful business network.
Elena Di Fiore is Maestro Media’s Communication Specialist. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here.
