If you are connected in your community, then you probably attend monthly or bi-monthly meetings, whether it’s for your local chamber of commerce or business association. You probably also attend conferences and any number of social gatherings designed to offer networking opportunities. The big questions is: Do you make these networking opportunities work for you? You also might ask yourself, "How much do I gain by these events, and do I take advantage of these opportunities in order to meet potential customers and expand my client base?" If you feel like you can improve in this area, and most of us can, then consider these following networking tips when going to a business function or event: Get to the event early. You know the old saying about the early risers and getting the worm. In this case, it’s true. Arriving early at a networking event allows you to greet people as they come in, choose a prime seat for meeting the right people, and expand the amount of time you have for introducing yourself. Stay at the event late. Even if you can’t stand these type of events, you will need to stay until the event draws to a close. When the formal meeting has ended and people begin working their way to the exit, look at these moments as great opportunities to strike up conversations and introduce yourself. Know the event coordinators. Make sure you introduce yourself to the key players that are putting on the event. Ask them who will be attending, and if there is someone that piques your interest, feel free to ask for an introduction. Register your attendance. If the event has a registration desk, look at this as a prime opportunity to obtain a list of attendees, if available. You can also scan the name badges as you get your own, to get a preview of others you may know or are wanting to meet. Polish up on your listening skills. Remember, you won’t gain a new client by reciting a memorized biography of yourself and your services. Let the other person speak, and get to know them as a person first. If you build a rapport, you are more likely to gain their trust and future business. Brush up on current events. Go into the meeting with a current knowledge base of news or events that are shaping your business or industry. This can help introduce a topic of conversation or help illustrate your level of professionalism and competency. Consider sponsoring the event. Serving as a sponsor not only puts the name of your company out there, but it also provides the opportunity to get to know the event coordinators, as they will need to work with you directly to develop the sponsorship. Taking advantage of every networking occasion can provide you with unexpected opportunities to expand your client base. By practicing the tips above, you might find better professional relationships and future clients.
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