Here are some tips to Successful Networking Events

1. Remind Yourself: You’re There to Give, Not Get

All too often, new entrepreneurs and job seekers go into a networking event thinking it’s their one shot to get X, Y or Z. By setting the stakes so high, you suck all the fun out of the event and put an inordinate amount of pressure on your shoulders.  Detach from the outcome, listen and educate.   Listen to them and get the contact.  Schedule your appointment so you can tell them more.  If you are there having a good time, being friendly and warm people will develop a relationship with you.  

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2. Don't Appear Desperate
Whether you're dating or networking, neediness is a major turn-off. As discussed above, when your main purpose is getting something from the event, you send the message that you're deprived of something (a product users, business builders) and you’re looking to the person you're meeting to save you. So no matter how badly you would like new YL member or referrals for your business, you've got to set that aside when interacting with others.  Have fun, develop relationships.  



3. Have Sincere Conversations
There’s a lot of jargon out there, and these buzzwords block any kind of meaningful conversation or relationship. Don't go heavy on talking about the business or the oils. You will go right over everyone's head.  Yes, you should prepare and practice answers to expected questions like "So what do you do?" But these answers should be simple, natural and in plain English. Your goal is for anyone (not just those in your industry circle) to understand and connect with what you're saying.

And if you find yourself stuck on the receiving end of a stuffy, jargon-filled elevator pitch, try to shift the dynamic with a simple question like "So what does that mean?" You’ll get into a more natural, and interesting, conversation.



4. Ask Open-Ended Questions

This is a great skill for anyone who can't stand all the repetitive small talk associated with meeting people the first time. The goal here is to always ask people questions that can't be answered with a simple yes or no (Click Here to view Asking Questions).  As a general rule of thumb, “why” questions generate the most interesting answers and conversations.



5. Limit Your Drinking
You might think that a few stiff drinks will help you relax and mingle. There's nothing wrong with a drink or two, but know your limit. When talking with potential YL members, you want to be as sharp, clear and on top of your game as possible, and alcohol does not always help in these areas.  Remember, you want to portray yourself as someone others want to work with, not necessarily drink with.



6. Connect With Everyone (and Never Look Over Anyone’s Shoulder)
Maybe your goal is to find a new product user or distributor, but you're "stuck" talking to an IT engineer. Don't write off the opportunity. I can't tell you how many people have found a client or job through someone who knows someone who knows someone. What’s the lesson here? Appreciate each person you meet, don't be dismissive, and never ever scan the room while talking to someone. You just never know where a conversation may lead.  Think of each person you meet and connect with as a possible referral.  You don't know how many people that person knows and so on and so forth.  



7. Practice
We can't encourage this enough!  Think of networking like any other professional skill. While others in the room may look like born networkers, they are likely just more experienced. It’s something you have to learn through trial and error. And the only way to improve is to just get out there and do it.  Practice with friends, family, the dog, your kids or your mirror. Networking Events are the perfect place to practice your scripts, attend them often and become a regular!



Ice Breaker Questions:

"How did you hear about the event?"

 

"Have you attended these meetings before?"

 

"What do you know about the speaker?"

 

Questions for their business:

"What is your position?"

 

"What is your target audience?"

 

"How long have you been with your company?"

 

Listen...make it about them.  Listen for opportunity.  The best contact is a person who has a huge database of people who are ideal prospects for you.  If you feel this person is qualified to add to your prospect list, then say:

 

"May I have your card?" "Can I add you to my Contact List?"(hand over your cell phone and use Marketing Scents contacts).   "I'll give you a call tomorrow.  Let's get schedule a time to see if we can help each other develop some business. Does that sound good to you?"