Here are some tips to get the most out of your next networking event using proven techniques that will bring home results.
Always go to any networking event with a plan. Ask yourself these questions. Who am I looking to be introduced to? What new businesses have I been working this month? What professions often send me referrals? Also are you there to get referrals just for yourself or for other. I will often bring 3 business cards from one of my referral partners and work to specially get them referrals that day. Use the above questions to help you create your list of 6 to 12 categories/people you're looking to meet.
Furthermore, remember that networking events are great places to invite potential guest for that organization. It is easy to invite people to a social, it is also a great way to introduce them to the power of networking, and more importantly, it will build your credibility with the host organization.
Your plan also has to take into account how long the meeting is. For every 10 minutes of meeting time, you can effectively talk to at least 1 person. In 1 hour time, that's 6 people, in two hours time, you could have at least 12 names. It is possible to talk to a lot more especially if you are talking to small groups of people at a time.
Make sure you bring plenty of business cards, at least 50 for big events. Also bring a pen and a pocket note pad. These are all important business tools. If you have a business card file with your referral partners' cards in it, bring that too. This could be a great opportunity to find referrals for them.
When speaking with attendees ask who they are looking for. See if you can make a connection for them. It will make a big impression on them and build your credibility. After they tell you about themselves, ask them to introduce you to the people on your list. By helping them find their connections, you have empowered them to help you.
Once you have your list, decide what you want to say as your 60-second presentation. Don't ask for too many categories or people. Ask for no more than three at a time. If you get to meet your first three prospects, you can start on another three. In my 60-second presentation, I usually say something like; "tell me about your business (or who are you looking to be introduce to) and then listen. When it is my turn, I say something like I'm on a mission to be meet these three people, (or introduced my partners). After that most people will try to introduce you if they can.
If you're looking to get referrals for someone else, remember my three card trick. Select a referral partner you have decided to help. Ask everyone you meet this. I have a friend who has helped me out a lot this month, and I want to repay their kindness. Who do you know here who is _____ and fill in the blank with the people your referral partner is looking to be introduce to! Obviously, you have to know who they need. Use this technique at every networking event you attend, and you will always have referrals for your strategic partners.
Now when attending the event, focus on your list, don't be distracted, stay on task... Don't drink or eat too much. You're there to market your business, (or get referrals for others) and meet very specific categories' of people.
With your list of who you want to meet, start working the room from right to left and go through each section of the room until the entire room has been covered, then start over again. In two hours, you should be able to go through the room twice.
Make sure every person you talk to knows who you're looking to be introduced to. Furthermore, let them know that you would appreciate that they mention it to their referral partners as well.
At the end of this event you should have about 12 names to followup on. This is not the best place to sell somebody your product or service, especially if they don't know you. Take the time to get to know them and build trust through face-to-face meetings.
Use these tips at your next networking event and get more business. If you have any suggestions, different ideas or comments, they are welcome. Click on the link below and let us know what you think.
Hector Cisneros is a 17-year veteran of BNI, Was BNI Director for over 6 years; he is an entrepreneur and Businessman with over 25 years experience. Currently he manages three businesses and coach's business people in the fine art of Word of Mouth marketing. He has several internationally published articles covering word of mouth marketing and how to improve your 60-second presentations. His new book "60 Seconds to Success" is aimed at helping business people make great first impressions and more money through word of mouth marketing.Always go to any networking event with a plan. Ask yourself these questions. Who am I looking to be introduced to? What new businesses have I been working this month? What professions often send me referrals? Also are you there to get referrals just for yourself or for other. I will often bring 3 business cards from one of my referral partners and work to specially get them referrals that day. Use the above questions to help you create your list of 6 to 12 categories/people you're looking to meet.
Furthermore, remember that networking events are great places to invite potential guest for that organization. It is easy to invite people to a social, it is also a great way to introduce them to the power of networking, and more importantly, it will build your credibility with the host organization.
Your plan also has to take into account how long the meeting is. For every 10 minutes of meeting time, you can effectively talk to at least 1 person. In 1 hour time, that's 6 people, in two hours time, you could have at least 12 names. It is possible to talk to a lot more especially if you are talking to small groups of people at a time.
Make sure you bring plenty of business cards, at least 50 for big events. Also bring a pen and a pocket note pad. These are all important business tools. If you have a business card file with your referral partners' cards in it, bring that too. This could be a great opportunity to find referrals for them.
When speaking with attendees ask who they are looking for. See if you can make a connection for them. It will make a big impression on them and build your credibility. After they tell you about themselves, ask them to introduce you to the people on your list. By helping them find their connections, you have empowered them to help you.
Once you have your list, decide what you want to say as your 60-second presentation. Don't ask for too many categories or people. Ask for no more than three at a time. If you get to meet your first three prospects, you can start on another three. In my 60-second presentation, I usually say something like; "tell me about your business (or who are you looking to be introduce to) and then listen. When it is my turn, I say something like I'm on a mission to be meet these three people, (or introduced my partners). After that most people will try to introduce you if they can.
If you're looking to get referrals for someone else, remember my three card trick. Select a referral partner you have decided to help. Ask everyone you meet this. I have a friend who has helped me out a lot this month, and I want to repay their kindness. Who do you know here who is _____ and fill in the blank with the people your referral partner is looking to be introduce to! Obviously, you have to know who they need. Use this technique at every networking event you attend, and you will always have referrals for your strategic partners.
Now when attending the event, focus on your list, don't be distracted, stay on task... Don't drink or eat too much. You're there to market your business, (or get referrals for others) and meet very specific categories' of people.
With your list of who you want to meet, start working the room from right to left and go through each section of the room until the entire room has been covered, then start over again. In two hours, you should be able to go through the room twice.
Make sure every person you talk to knows who you're looking to be introduced to. Furthermore, let them know that you would appreciate that they mention it to their referral partners as well.
At the end of this event you should have about 12 names to followup on. This is not the best place to sell somebody your product or service, especially if they don't know you. Take the time to get to know them and build trust through face-to-face meetings.
Use these tips at your next networking event and get more business. If you have any suggestions, different ideas or comments, they are welcome. Click on the link below and let us know what you think.
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