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Business networking events

by mancmusicman
16 replies
I am attending one tomorrow.. a local business networking event.

Just want to know what the etiquette is and also what to say and what not to say

Bit nervous but does anyone have tips

thanks
#business #events #networking
  • Profile picture of the author WillDL
    My best piece of advice is listen more than you talk. Everyone is there for pretty much the same reason, to try and make more sales. If you go around pitching everyone (which a lot of people do) you are not going to stand out, and not going to make any useful connections.

    Treat everyone like people, not prospects, and you'll do fine. Listen to their problems, which are often hidden in their pitch. Take a lot of business cards. Come up with real meaningful solutions when you have time to think about them. Then you can call your new contacts and say, "Hi this is Mancmusicman, we met the other day at the networking thing. I remember you said you have a problem with XYZ, and I think I can help you with that."
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  • Profile picture of the author jacquic
    Icebreak (if you need to) with a comment like - hey, nice [whatever]; chat starts then.

    Ask questions about them/their business, and really listen to the answers. Give out the odd helpful tip/strategy.

    If people ask what you do, answer as a benefit: 'You know that businesses have [problem]? (They nod). Well, I help people [give benefit]'. Don't answer as a feature [I do marketing; I am an accountant].

    Relax, and smile genuinely.

    Stuck by yourself? Approach someone and say something along the lines of, 'I'm looking to speak to a [whatever]. Would you be able to introduce me to one?'

    Have fun!
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  • Profile picture of the author marketingva
    One of my clients has a great article on the topic. I love how she talks about preparing topics to discuss before you go. You can read the article at The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Networkers by Lydia Ramsey
    Bonnie
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  • Profile picture of the author edricwage
    Originally Posted by mancmusicman View Post

    I am attending one tomorrow.. a local business networking event.

    Just want to know what the etiquette is and also what to say and what not to say

    Bit nervous but does anyone have tips

    thanks

    Act natural and be professional. Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author JustinDupre
    Keep networking and don't stop smiling
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  • Profile picture of the author electronik69
    You might want to work out a couple of different pitches when your introducing you and your business if you go back people do not want to hear the same canned response. What I do is I focus on a different type of personality every time i pitch so more people will listen and get different angles on what I am pitching.
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    If it doesn't sell, it isn't creative - David Ogilvy
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  • Profile picture of the author Sparksman
    So, how did it go manc? Your post was 02-16, I write on 02-17, so it was today you went eh?
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  • Profile picture of the author Demond Jackson
    I'd say to do what you can to relax. The purpose of Networking is to develop professional relationships with other business people in your area. Focus on building those relationships, not seeing everyone there as prospects.

    Don't over think things. Be yourself, be relaxed and I'm sure you'll do just fine. Good luck.
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    • Profile picture of the author mancmusicman
      Thanks for all the tips

      I have just returned from the event and it was thoroughly enjoyable.. i took a lot of cards..asked them about their services first..and then spoke about mine when asked..even though some of them had nothing I could do for them, i gave them examples of my services with real world applications..and their reaction was 'oh right..didnt know you could do that..tell you what..give me your card, my son/nephew/ etc etc runs a business in ______ market and he might benefit from it"

      So all in all I was relaxed connected with a lot of people in the room and got their cards too
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  • Profile picture of the author jacquic
    So all in all I was relaxed connected with a lot of people in the room and got their cards too
    Excellent!
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  • Profile picture of the author Jay Rhome
    Congrats on your success.

    I took this post from Dexx on another thread that really got me aching to go to networking events instead of dreading them. Here it is for the next time:
    I have a similar train of thought, but a different approach, after not liking the whole "push your business" approach most people take during networking events.

    My "strategy" is basically:

    1) Introductions
    2) Ask what they do
    3) Ask how they do that
    4) They usually ask something about what I do (I give my T.O.P. statement)
    5) They ask for more information
    6) I turn it around and say I'll give them an example, and then ask a problem-identifying question of their current business process
    7) I provide a profitable solution-based strategy they can implement
    8) They are WOW'd / excited and ask for more information
    9) Tell them it'd be best to schedule a meeting where I can learn more about their business
    10) Exchange info, and tell them to call me, which they usually do =)

    ~Dexx

    PS - I also make sure they are a QUALIFIED prospect before I put too much effort in...if I know from the start they really aren't suitable business clients, then I won't recommend an additional meeting since it'd be a waste of time for me (though they'd benefit from my advice I'm sure)
    I also like that by Jacqui
    Stuck by yourself? Approach someone and say something along the lines of, 'I'm looking to speak to a [whatever]. Would you be able to introduce me to one?'
    BTW use a QR Code on the back of your card. That will get a wow factor from some people. Also, an age old trick is to WRITE something on the card you give prospects and on those they give you. It adds a human touch right there, and after the events you - and the contacts you made - tend to remember a lot more about what was said.
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    • Profile picture of the author mancmusicman
      Oh i did use some QR code magic..most of them dont know what it is but when i show them real world applications they were quite amazed
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      • Profile picture of the author Jay Rhome
        Originally Posted by mancmusicman View Post

        Oh i did use some QR code magic..most of them dont know what it is but when i show them real world applications they were quite amazed
        Great!

        My biggest bang for the buck is showing them how fast it goes from one scan to a clickable phone number. What's your weapon of choice?
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