Networking helps you create visibility in the marketplace and connect with others who can potentially add value to your business. It is an important part of business development and an area which most small businesses should but often don’t prioritise.
I would encourage you to create a strategy plan for events with a monthly planner capturing your audience and demographics, scoping out the key business events and planning ahead to ensure you get the full value from attending.
Follow my top ten networking tips to maximise your opportunities at each event you attend:
- Networking tools: Ensure you take these with you (pen, business cards, name badge)
- Set a goal for the number of people you want to meet
- Act like a host not a guest at events
- Engage in conversation and listen. Ask the five W Questions:
- Who?
- What?
- Why?
- When?
- Where?
- Describe your product and services
- Exchange business cards with the people you meet
- Spend ten minutes or less with the people you meet at events. Do not linger with friends or associates
- Write comments on the back of business cards you collect
- Follow up with the people you meet within 24 hours of the event. Always connect with them on LinkedIn
- Have fun, enjoy the conversations and new opportunities
