Networking is all about relationships - treat it like you would dating to get the best results.
Step One
Your eyes meet across the room and you're thinking 'wow they are hot'! It is at this point you need to check what first impression you are making.
Did you rush in late? Looking flustered and unprepared is not a good look. You will put yourself at a disadvantage, feel unorganized and possible be perspiring nicely - yuk!!
Are you dressed appropriately? Appropriately does not necessarily mean 'suited and booted' in fact these days far less so. But you do need to be 'business smart' - clean shoes are a must. Ladies accessories and a little make up make all the difference - wearing the right colours will stand you out in a crowd for both men and women.
Are you visible? Don't hide away in the toilets, a corner or stick your back firmly to the nearest wall.
Are you approachable? Always wear a smile. You may be nervous but this can appear aloof to an onlooker. A smile is appealing and contagious; never go out without one.
Step Two
OMG! They are coming this way and yes they are looking good!
Be interested and keep it brief. This is not the time to relay your life story and to convince them what a catch you are!
Ask questions. People like to talk about themselves and you will be showing an interest in them first. Keep your questions general and simple. What type of business they have? Ask where they have come from? What other networking events they have been to? Do not be tempted at this stage to sell yourself.
Play hard to get. Don't be tempted to cover too much at this stage. Say you would really like to hear more about their business and suggest you call them to arrange to meet for a coffee. Ask for their contact details.
Don't get possessive. Ask them if there was anyone they wanted to be introduced too and take them over and introduce them. If they do not know anyone specifically you should have enough info now to suggest someone.
Don't stand them up. Whatever you have agreed to do whether it is call them or email them do it and do it promptly; relationships are about trust and this is one of your first steps towards building it.
Step Three
This is it, the bit you were hoping for - The first Date!
Go back to step one it is all relevant here too.
Preparation, Preparation, Preparation. Put some time aside ahead of the meeting to have a look at their website. Think about how you could help them with introductions to your contacts. Look for synergies in your business to explore further. Having ideas on how they might help you too is ok but should still be secondary. Knowing you have all your own teeth and hair or child bearing hips may still scare them off at this stage.
Give them a little gift. We are not talking diamonds or holidays to the Caribbean at this stage. Be realistic; you do not know each other that well yet, so why would you. However an offer of making an introduction, sending some useful information or an invite to another event will be well received and strengthen that relationship a little bit more.
Finally don't forget to do it...
Just like the children's game you are looking for those ladders to climb but need to beware the snakes too. If you say you are going to do something then you must do it. If not, you will find yourself hurtling down a snake back to the start.
Oh yes I promised to tell you Why Networking is better than Sex..
Here are my top 10 reasons:-
You can do it in public without getting arrested!
You can choose when you enjoy doing it most; morning noon or night!
You get to keep your clothes on!
There's lots of training available to improve your performance!
You know how often it will happen, how long it will last and have plenty of time to prepare!
If you get bored you can move on to someone more interesting!
60 seconds is an introduction and not the entire performance!
You are positively encouraged to do it with a variety of different people!
You get to enjoy something to eat, occasionally a glass of wine but always some fun banter throughout.
You can't wait to do it again!
There you have it networking is just like dating and all about relationships.
Take your time, be interested, give something first, have fun and enjoy it and about all leave them wanting more!
Cathy Dunbabin is the founder of Opendoorz Networking in Oxford, United Kingdom. After many years as a networking facilitator Cathy has created a unique opportunity for business networkers in the UK. If you're a serious networker looking to raise your game and make new quality connections that will bring you genuine new business opportunities, then Opendoorz is what you've been looking for.
Opendoorz challenges the tired format established by many networking groups. Its success is founded on the quality and calibre of the membership, the experience and passion of its directors and the unique blend of meeting content.
Contact Cathy at http://opendoorz.wordpress.com/ or email her directly at cathy@opendoorz.biz
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cathy_Dunbabin
No comments:
Post a Comment