In-Person Networking is Back! Our Tips for Making the Most of Your Networking Time
Helping companies build strong relationships that boost the bottom line is our bread and butter. Over the last two years, it’s been very challenging to grow our connections. However, as we begin to live with COVID, one of the most powerful mediums of building relationships is taking center stage again: in-person networking. If you could use some brushing up on your skills, we have three tips that are sure to help you get back into your comfort zone.
Come Prepared with Some Conversation Starters
There is no question that approaching a stranger or even a group of strangers at a networking event can be daunting. Sure, everyone in attendance is there for the same reason but that doesn’t always make it easier to break the ice. Do yourself a favor by doing a little research beforehand about relevant topics to the event and the latest news. By doing so, engaging in conversations can be much easier. Where do find your information? Local associations and trade groups along with local B2B media, like the Baltimore Business Journal or CityBiz, are great places to start.
Don’t Be a Taker, Be a Giver
There’s one thing that turns off just about everyone and that’s a taker. Don’t be a taker, be a giver. When you’re engaging in conversation with a new contact be interested and ask them questions about their business and their role. You’ll be amazed at what you learn. Try to find ways you can give them value throughout the conversation. Can you introduce them to a colleague? Can you share a recent blog your read or wrote? Can you tell them about a cool event that’s coming up? If you learn to be a giver, over time people will start to recognize you as that and that’s when you’ll be rewarded.
Set Attainable Goals for Yourself
There are a few scenarios we all dream about when heading to a networking event. Perhaps you will strike up a conversation that leads to you landing your next big deal. Maybe you will lay the foundation for a relationship that eventually leads to a mutually beneficial strategic alliance. While each of these situations may seem like best case scenarios, we encourage you to set more reasonable goals especially if you’re just getting back into the swing of things. Like any skill, you’ll need to practice networking in order to feel comfortable and dial in the perfect approach for your personality. Here are a few attainable goals you can set for your next networking event:
Make notes for yourself after having meaningful conversations. Use them later to craft the perfect follow up messages.
Set a goal on how many people you would like to meet at the event. It’s okay to start with a few and work your way up.
Be specific. How many business owners would you like to meet? Do you want to meet all the panelists? The more specific you are, the more successful you’ll be.
Make plans to meet with someone over coffee if you feel a professional relationship could blossom. Set the meeting right there!
Make a meaningful connection with someone outside of your industry. Tap into networks outside your usual space.
Expand Your In-Person Networking Opportunities with Expert Assistance from Dinkel Business Development, LLC
Dinkel Business Development can help your business grow by creating a business development plan that engages your prospects and partners using a proven system of relationship marketing and outbound lead generation. Let’s start building relationships together today! Please call us at 443.226.0163 or reach us via email at john@dinkelbd.com to get started.
