Coachamatic

Why attend a networking event in the first place?  I view them as an opportunity to meet new people, show face in the community, reconnect with old contacts and/or to learn a new skill (many times networking is paired with education).  Where I live, networking events are abundant.  In fact, it is not unusual for two gatherings to be scheduled on the same day, at the same time.  This can really throw one off balance — trying to figure out which event will be best to attend!  So let’s talk about making the right connections at these events and more importantly, how to keep these contacts part of your life and business.  Once the ball starts rolling, everyone will want to meet you!

First, attend the most benefical events.  We live in a society that runs on choices so make them smarter.  On paper write out every events that is on your radar screen (if it’s only one or two, a mental list will do).  Next to each event define the type of attendees (ie: male or female, large or small businesses, industries, etc).  Now for the million dollar question(s)…..

Is this your target market or do these people have any interaction with your target market (think alliance!?!)?  If the answer is no, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be at the event but try and it’ll be to your advantage if you can make some sort of relationship.  For instance, as a health and nutrition coach I may initially prefer to meet a bunch of massage therapists as opposed to mortgage brokers.  But if I take a closer look and find that one particular mortgage broker has clients with high-end kitchens then I need to meet this mortgage broker (the light bulb goes off - cooking classes, shopping tours, etc)! 

There are also different formats at these networking events.  Will you be giving your 30 second elevator pitch (if so, practice this one beforehand!) or mingling amongst the crowd?  Do the attendees go out of their way to approach the new comers or do they stay in their little pods?  Bottom line, get as much information about the event before stepping into your car.  If the attendee list is available, check it out prior to the event and do your homework.  By doing all this prep work, your confidence level will sky-rocket!  When we are confident about ourselves, we attract that which is confident in others.

Ok so now you’re at the event.  Make eye contact, smile and talk with (not to) the person you are having a conversation with.  Be engaged.  Be prepared to offer the person something that will help their business (yup, that’s right - by helping them succeed, they will be more apt to trust you and in turn provide you with your business needs).  Then when the timing is right, ask the person for their card.  9 times out of 10 they’ll ask for yours once you’ve made the initial request.  When I attend an event, I look for quality contacts, not quantity.   

If you’re having trouble breaking into the small groups, look for those that are off in the wings on their own.  They will be easier to approach and usually gentler.  They will be thankful for the rescue (noone wants to be standing alone)! 

When I get home from the event, I write down some details on the back of the card.  Some examples could be: conversation topic, a clothing or physical feature that stands out, where/when details about the event.  The next morning make every effort to send them an email follow up (or email only those people you want a lasting relationship with but I highly recommend a follow up with everyone — you never know!).  I am surprised by how many people I have met don’t do this!  In the email consider inviting them for coffee so you can learn more about their business or offer up an interesting piece of information that you think may benefit them. 

Anytime you have a new product, website or news send them a personal email.  No spam!  Personal notes (especially hand written) make me feel important – don’t you agree?  If you come across an article that relates to their business or hobbies, send it along with a simple ‘thinking of you’ note.  Keep people on your mind.  Call it follow-up or a pain in the butt but it works.  I find the law of attraction works wonders with networking events - the more you give out (generously), the greater abundance will shine on your life.  Now there are a host of other tips that could be shared but these should serve as good starters.  Good luck and go get ‘em!

Posted on Sep 22nd 06 by Alison Held.

Alison Held is a Nutrition and Health Coach and the founder of Healthful Direction. Her mission is to empower individuals to become the best version of themselves through sound nutrition and emotional well-being. http://www.healthfuldirection.com

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