5 Ways To Up Your Game At Networking Events
Networking events are a perfect way to meet like-minded people and grow your small business. Some will clam up at them, whilst others will take to it like a duck to water. If you’re in the former camp, we’ve compiled 5 ways that you can up your networking game.
- Find the right event
To find a suitable event to attend start your search on social media. Groups are a great way to find events relevant to your sector within your local area. After you’ve booked your place at your networking event, have a good look through the attendee list. Sift through their blog and company website to get an overall idea of what their company is about. If you manage to strike up conversation with your chosen target, you’ll have something relevant to discuss because you’ll have some prior knowledge of the company. This is a sure-fire way to show that you’re interested in them as a person and as a business.
- Preparation is key
If you find you get a bit anxious before networking events then spend a bit of time concentrating on unwinding. Think of your ‘happy place’ to get yourself into a confident self-assured mood. Don’t forget about the small things either. Bring the essentials like business cards and a notebook and pen to scribble down any thoughts or ideas that may come to you.
- Nail your pitch
The last thing you want to be doing is tripping over your words when you’ve just collared someone you had on your hit list. Remember first impressions last so you’ve got to come across as interested, polite and engaging. Clarity is key so succinctly express what you do, how you can help and you’ll be off to a flying start.
- Know when to throw in the towel
If you’ve tried to work your magic and got nowhere then don’t drag it out. Know when your time’s through and end the conversation politely and on a positive note. If you’ve haven’t got the results you we’re expecting, don’t worry – there are always plenty of other networking events to attend where you can make an impression.
- Follow up interest
Ping an email off to the people you chatted with two or three days after the event. Remember to connect with all the people you chatted with on LinkedIn as you never know when you might want to connect with them in the future.
KashFlow is easy to use bookkeeping and payroll software that can help streamline your work processes freeing up more time for you to bring in new clients, and keep your business competitive. To find out how we can help claw back more time for your business whilst helping you profit in the process, just call our on boarding Team on 0333 130 2938 for a quick 1-2-1 demonstration of our software.