Lots has been written about the best way to use local business networking groups to most effectively gain new business contacts and ultimately to help grow your business.
Here are our 10 top tips for more successful business networking:
Be prepared
Ideally you will have already identified people that you want to talk to before you arrive at the networking event. Many event organisers send-out an attendees list in advance of a networking event – if not, ask the organiser for a list so that you can spend your time more wisely by talking to people that run the business that you would most like to do business with.
Don’t give a sales pitch
At networking events you should be aiming build relationships and trust. Going in feet-first with your sales pitch or hard-sell should be avoided.
Listen to people
By asking other people about their business you will be much more likely to find common business interests and areas where you can maybe work together in the future.
Smile and be friendly
It’s not just who might be nervous or uncomfortable at networking events. Smile and you will feel more confident. A smile will also make you look more friendly and approachable to other networkers.
Be enthusiastic
Many networking events are held at unsociable hours – for example early morning breakfast business networking events. Np-matter what time of day networking events are held, it’s important to remain enthusiastic, energetic and passionate about your business.
Be helpful
There will be many businesses at networking events where you don’t see any potential business relationship. Remember that new business or recommendations can come from the most unexpected of sources, so be as helpful to all of the people that you speak to.
Keep moving
Don’t spend all of your time talking to the same person. Once you have share information about your businesses you should swap business cards and then go and speak to someone else. Simply say “It’s been great talking to you, I’d like to go and do some more networking now” – people won’t be offended, you are at a networking event after-all!
Talk to people that you don’t know
Often you will meet someone at a networking event that you know very well. It’s tempting to sit with them because you already have lots in-common meaning conversation is easy. However, you should endeavour to move out of your comfort zone and sit with the people that you do not already know so that you can develop new business relationships.
Follow-up
Remember to follow-up your conversations soon after your networking event. Ideally within 24 hours. Sending a quick email is an ideal way to do this (again not sales pitch). If your business sends regular communications to clients and potential clients it can also be worthwhile adding your new contacts to your mailing list (once you have asked them permission of-course).
Attend networking events regularly
Networking should not be a one-off thing. People by from people and that’s why networking is primarily about relationship building and out of those relationships will come new business. Attend networking events on a regular basis so that people get to know and trust you and your business.
