anecdotes into the conversation. Do this and people are more likely to remember to get in touch
with you.
- Do follow-up-what happens after the event is just as important as the event itself. If someone gives you their business card and you say you are going to get back to them, make sure you do as networking is about trying to build up relationships. If you say you are going to do something, do it.It may help to write down two or three trigger words on people’s business cards. It could be their hobby, someone who they look like or sound like, where they spent their last holiday or perhaps the name of their pet - anything that will help you put a face to the name.
- Do join up- If you’re looking to get out there and use networking to get your business off the ground there are several organisations and clubs all over the country.
DON’T
- Don’t forget to dress for success-dress the same as everybody else-speak beforehand to someone who attended the last event.
- Don’t have pre-conceived stereotypes and assumptions-you’ve arrived at the event on time and are fully loaded with a glass of wine in one hand and a paper plate of finger food in the other, but how do you decide who to talk to first? The answer is: keep an open mind and talk to everyone as you can never tell how important someone may be to your business at first glance.
- Don’t be shy-even for executives in the loftiest of positions, approaching strangers at a social event can be an intimidating task. Relax and focus on asking people to talk about themselves because they invariably will.
- Don’t talk more than you listen-instead of talking at length about your business at networking events, it is far more effective to keep it brief when people ask who you are or what you do.
- Don’t expect too much too soon-be patient. It’s about putting your toe in the water and taking things gently so don’t be too aggressive and think how many sales you can make.
