Network marketing, business networking, referral marketing. Whatever you call it, the opportunity to meet and greet other professionals face-to-face has never been greater.
With that in mind, here are six tips to help you get the most out of your business network:
1) Always Be On Time and Prepared
There is nothing worse than arriving at a meeting only to find yourself waiting for somebody who hasn’t come or who turns up late with no explanation or apology given. There will be others presenting if it’s an event (often called ‘networking events). Always make sure you’re on time even if everyone else is running late because it shows respect to future speakers that they should go first or second. Also, ensure that you’re well prepared and know what you will say and the points you want to discuss. There is nothing worse than a business professional. Who turns up wildly unprepared with no agenda or plan of discussion laying out their stall in such away. Even when the proceeds will repatriate, people will question why they want to do business with them.
2) Listen and Ask Questions
As important as knowing how to introduce yourself and what you do is learning to listen and ask questions to value your networking event truly. It’s not about selling your latest product or service (that’s what advertising is for). It’s about building relationships and connections with like-minded individuals and discussing common interests and opportunities. Sometimes this might be an interaction over a dinner table. Still, the chances are They will involve speakers and presentations. So get an idea of who might be speaking and plan to sit beside them or ask them questions afterward.
3) Follow Up After the Event
After you’ve attended a networking event, you must follow up with the contacts you made and try to meet up for a coffee or discuss your business ideas further. It can lead to introductions which often result in new opportunities, partnerships, and sales; more on this in another article. It’s important not to perceive networking as something done at events only. It should also take place via social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, where people can find out more about what you do and how they might be able to help you.
4) Don’t Prejudge People on First Impressions.
It’s easy to judge people on first appearances. Still, likewise, it’s important not to prejudge them either based on their appearance or preconceptions about what they might do for a living. There can be surprises that lead to tremendous opportunities – sometimes even close friendships and partnerships. So never assume that somebody looks like a banker or has tattoos that they don’t have the same interests as you.
5) Network with Everyone, Not Just the Decision Makers
Many business professionals only spend most of their time networking with C-Suite executives and corporate decision-makers. It is a mistake because huge opportunities may be lower down the food chain, leading to more sales or even partnerships with bigger companies. The easiest way to do this is to ensure that your business cards include your photo and email address and your business website URL. It allows people to match a face with a name and get in touch directly than having an intermediary like a receptionist or gatekeeper. (who doesn’t always know what’s going on either).
6) Connect People with Like-Minded Individuals
Even if you’re not looking for sales, think of ways how you might be able to connect individuals who can help each other out. such as referrals or introductions. Which result in new business for both parties involved. It may not be important now, but it could be a valuable tool in the future, e.g. if one of your partners goes bust or even becomes a customer of yours. You can reciprocate and get them connected to somebody else who might help their business too.
Conclusion:
You can have all the tools, technology, and products in the world, but if you don’t have great people skills. Then you’re not going to get very far. Networking events are a vital tool for any business professional who wishes to grow their network of contacts. They allow you to meet new people in your field of expertise, make connections that could lead to business opportunities in the future. And even inspire creative thinking by discussing problems with like-minded individuals.
Author Bio:
Sarah has been writing for a decade and now for the Quran teacher near me Website. She obtained her Master’s degree at the University of London. Her main objective is to write insightful content for those who read and like it.
