As a member of businessXchange - the Business Link Peer Support Group - i was privileged to attend the New Forset meeting and listen to Richard Mack of Connect2 give us 10 great tips for networking.

If you’re looking to grow your business and find new customers, networking is a very effective tool. With Richard’s permission, here are his tips for getting the most from any networking you do.

10 Golden Tips For Effective Networking

1 Set Networking Goals
Determine the types of people you want to meet, how many you want to meet, and what functions/events you are going to attend

2 Review The Delegates
Look for companies or people that you’d like to meet with.
Some groups (Business Xchange) will even try to assist you in your quest.

3 Get Your Attitude Right
You can spot a naïve networker from across the room:
They ask “How can I get referrals?”
They dart from conversation to conversation passing out business cards
They “Sell” at every opportunity.
The smart networker thinks differently:
They ask, “How can I help others”
They are often looking for just ONE really good contact

4 Go It Alone.
Moving about a networking event solo encourages people to approach you.
And makes it easier to initiate conversations.

5 Get “Tooled Up”
Have you got enough business cards?
Consider other ways to promote your business (leaflets, pens, etc)

6 The Elevator Speech
It’s YOUR job to make this memorable.
Help your fellow networkers to remember you
Develop it into a 16 second sizzler.
When somebody asks you “What do you do”, offer an UNFORGETTABLE answer in less than 5 seconds that makes them say,
“Really….?…Cool”

7 Arrive Early, Stay Late
Some of the best opportunites are BEFORE the meeting starts
If you came just to listen to the Key Note Speaker and are in a rush to get away, you are missing out on much of the value the meeting can provide.

8 Circle and Scan
Before diving into the event, try circling the room.
Look for nametags of people or companies you’d like to talk to
Look for people standing alone. They may be nervous and will welcome your approach.
It’s much harder to join a group unless you either know someone, or are invited.

9 Sit With Strangers
If the event is a sit down affair, do not sit with either a friend or associate.
You already know these people!!!!!
Plan who you want to sit with.

10 Follow Up
Does this ever happen to you? You meet someone at an event, exchange business cards, and agree to follow-up with each other. Then nothing happens!!!
You get back to your desk, put their card by the phone, but never get round to calling.

Two weeks later you look at the card and say “Who was that person”.

If you network in the Dorset/Hampshire area it would be great to meet you. Have a look at the attendee list of the events you are at. If I’m on it make sure you find me and introduce yourself.

Good luck with finding new customers!

Wayne