When you meet a potential contact at a business event, you know what to do. You deliver your elevator pitch and set up a time to talk more if they are in line with your business. However, when you run into someone interesting at a business gathering, things can become interesting.
While funerals and 12-step meetings are awkward places to do business, there are plenty of occasions that fall somewhere in between. How can you take advantage of opportunities at parties or your child’s sporting events without coming across as being too pushy?
Discover the secret to networking at business events. Use these tips to make connections that will help you to advance your career.
First, let's start with helping others.
Share information. Maybe you’ll find a natural opening for discussing trends in your industry or demonstrating your expertise. Maybe you’ll accomplish more by explaining how to grow tomatoes in the shade or recommending a great movie you found on Netflix.
Offer referrals. Spread the word about businesses and services you like. Personal testimonials are more reliable than another. Pitch in. Join in on the planning committee for events is a great way to make mingling easier at events or other meetings. Your contributions will be remembered trust me. Pay attention. Simple gestures count too. You can make a positive impression just by listening closely to what other guests have to say. Ask relevant questions and focus on their message instead of preparing your own response.
Show enthusiasm. Others will find you more attractive if you’re having fun. Check that your body language is warm and friendly, and your facial expressions are inviting. Use smiles and eye contact to let others know that your welcoming conversation.
Second, Follow Up:
Ask your associates. If you and someone you just met have contacts in common, you may be able to rely on them to help you stay in touch.
Explore mutual interests. Your initial conversation may also reveal areas of common ground. Building relationships is often most successful when you have regular interactions like attending other networking events, maybe even attending the same gym or volunteering at the same community center.
Go online. Researching someone online can be constructive as long as you respect their privacy. Learn more about them from public sources like their company website, news articles, or social media.
Exchange contact information. Before you hand out any business cards, assess the situation to see if the connection is a good fit for what you are looking for at the moment to enhance your business. If your new contact peeks your interest, definitely exchange information. that way you have there's and they have yours.
Finally, Other Tips for Networking at Social Events:
Practice regularly. Networking skills can be developed anywhere. Chatting with other parents at the park or at your child's sporting events is a low-risk way to train for more challenging professional communications. Focus on quality. Networking is usually more rewarding when you concentrate on who you’re talking with now instead of trying to work the whole room. A small number of mutually supportive relationships is more valuable than having a lot of superficial contacts. Circulate more. It will be easier to allow relationships to develop gradually and naturally if you feel like you have an abundance of opportunities. Experiment with accepting more invitations and hosting your own gatherings. See what a difference it can make in widening your circle. Respect boundaries. Be sensitive to the purpose of any event and the comfort level of others. Honoring their needs will help you to make a positive impression.
Strengthen your network by learning how to use business events to build relationships. You’ll be helping yourself and others as long as you take a genuine and generous approach.