Best Networking Strategies

Do you leave a networking event with a stack of business cards? Do you wonder what you got from the event or why you went?

For business, networking is a must, but you don't want to feel like you wasted your time when you could be doing something else more productive. When you feel this way, what do you do with the business cards you collect? Throw them away? Stash them in your desk?

At one event, I was talking to a lady when a man interrupted, shouted his name, handed me his business card, and jetted away all in a matter of five seconds. I was so caught off guard, I didn't even hear his name. You want to make sure you're getting the most out of your networking experiences. It's about building relationships not card collecting. If you want to be successful at networking, here are some quick tips:

1. Dress the part. Look like someone who represents your company and who you would want to do business with. It may not be "right," but people make a snap decision in a matter of seconds. This decision could be the difference between a great referral or that person walking away without even speaking to you.

2. Write your 60-second elevator pitch. Your elevator pitch is what you say when you're introducing yourself. This should include who you are, what you do, who your ideal client is, and what results your ideal client can expect to get. Better yet, have several different versions of it. If you are new to an event and don't know their process, there's nothing like getting up there thinking you are doing a 60-second one and really only having 20-seconds. You want to be prepared in every situation. So have various shorter and longer versions, so you can adjust to the requirements.

3. Memorize your elevator pitch. You are bound to get asked "What do you do" when you're at a social event, at your kids' school, or meeting new people. This is a great way to hook them into what you are doing, wanting to know more about it, and how you can help them. Even when you're talking to people before the networking event starts, people will ask you "What do you do," even though they are about to hear it along with everyone else. Don't ad lib. This is the perfect time to give them your elevator pitch. It doesn't just have to be when everyone is doing their "commerical."

4. At the end of your elevator pitch, tell them what type of people you are looking for. You can say this with, "Who/What I'm looking for is…" This way people don't take your business card (which will save you printing costs too) unless they know someone who fits the description. In reverse you don't take other business cards unless you know someone they are looking for, which allows you to make solid pertinent contacts.

5. For people you think will be a great contact, take the time after the event to speak with them directly, even if it's just to set up a "get to know you better" call. You don't want this one-on-one time to pass you by. Think outside the box too. They might not directly be your ideal client, but they may work with your ideal clients.

6. You probably don't get dressed up, looking your best every day. So take advantage of it. If you go to a monthly networking event, set up appointments before and after next month's event. This saves you time, driving, and gas instead of doing it another day. Plus getting that face time makes a huge impact on contacts.

These six great strategies will help make your next networking event a success, because you'll be able to connect with people who are right for your business while building relationships with many more. It's all about relationships. If you don't get business at the first event, don't get discouraged. It takes time to build the know, like, and trust factors. Stick with it, and you'll find success, because there are people there who need you.

Happy networking!

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