“Meeting and connecting with people through sharing an educational experience
is a powerful way to network!”
We all go to workshops, training, conferences and events, where we have the opportunity to network. The reason that people gather at events are because of a shared interest in the content being presented.
So, the definition of business networking, is “a marketing method by which business opportunities are created through networks of like-minded business people. There are several prominent business networking organizations that create models of networking activity that, when followed, allow the business person to build new business relationships and generate business opportunities at the same time”.
The success of actually having those relationships and opportunities happen is totally dependant on ones ability to connect with another human being! Most people are NOT comfortable with or like meeting strangers or people they don’t know. It’s terrifying. It’s only effective when one actually shows up consistently to a committed networking group and builds relationships over time.
What about the conferences and gatherings that may happen once or twice a year, that are a must attend? I have been discussing lately how although these BIG events have the greatest potential to meet the right people, there is a large convergence, but not enough connecting.
I have made some of the most valuable connections by attending educational events, where I have shared a learning experience, that allowed me to get to know people and create the interest and reason to approach them for conversation.
How much easier is it to approach someone to thank them for what they shared and how much you got out of it?
I call this Netucation-education and networking. This concept seems like the right way for me to bring people together to “network”. It has worked to connect thousands of people who have gathered for workshops, seminars and conferences where more interactive time is a big part of the format and success of their connecting with each other.
The opportunity at events is there for you, but you have to recognize it, seize the moment and realize that a few great contacts is all it takes to have success!
Here are 5 tips to make better networking connections at events you go to.
1) Prepare before you go. Knowledge is truly power here. Research and know who is presenting, who is speaking, why the event is happening and who will be attending. Go into it armed and ready to converse and relate!
2) Get your story ready! Ultimately you will be asked what do you do? Instead of a canned “elevator pitch answer”, create a more personal description of who you are and what you do. How do serve, help? Getting more personal is more real and human. We all relate to stories, we all have one!
3) Work the room. Float around and gravitate toward people, conversations and energy you relate to and attract to. Prepare some opening statements or questions. If this is your first time at the event, simply let people know that! Ask them what they like best about the event.
4) Engage people in mutual conversations. Don’t monopolize, dominate or interrupt. Ask, listen and show interest. If a conversation is not happening, simple say how nice it was to meet them and float on.
5) Follow up promptly. Hopefully there are some people who you have made a warm connection with. Pick up the phone, send them a handwritten card, invite them for coffee to continue the conversation. Don’t let too much time pass.
There is an art and science to networking and chit chat! Networking online or offline is not prospecting. It’s simply connecting with people who have the potential to be prospected, or become a referral source.
Regardless of what ways you are using to create social interactions, networking remains a viable, powerful tool that is never going away. In fact it is more important as it’s ever been, as people fatigue trying to keep up with online communications.
Can you imagine your business life without email, mobile, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook? NO..but they are still streams and paths to bridge people so that they can together to network and interact live! Can you imagine life without talking by phone or meeting in person? NO..and that is the end goal in networking.
The Power of Personal Connections’ is what Netucation-can and does so well.
Education and Networking..the perfect formula for making warm, mutual connections!
Now go learn something and make some friends while you are there!
What tips do you have for successful networking?
