Become a Master Mingler
Some people love business networks but others struggle to connect. Over many years of attending business networking events I’ve observed that few people actually get the best from their networking opportunity.
The more practiced you become at starting conversations with strangers, the less anxious you’ll be. Your confidence will attract others and help you become much more than just another business card in someone’s overfull pile of business contacts.
Here are some tips to becoming a “master mingler”.
Be prepared!
Check out the member page on the network’s website. Who are the members? Read about their businesses. You might like to message some of the members you’d like to meet and mention that you’ll be at the next meeting and would love learn more about their business.
Practice introducing yourself
Look into the mirror and introduce yourself. Stand erect, look your own image in the eye, pause momentarily, smile. Say hello and introduce yourself.
Learn how to describe your business
No crazy cryptic descriptions. Keep it simple.
Yes, I know the business gurus will tell you to come up with some catchy tag to explain how you can help your customers. Truly your elevator speech may be catchy but if your audience is none the wiser you’ve wasted their time – as well as your own.
Learn to describe your business succinctly. If you’re asked to stand up in front of the group, P-L-E-A-S-E don’t “hog” the microphone or you’ll have everyone rolling their eyes. It never ceases to amaze me how many guests at networking events can sense when it’s time to stop talking and sit down.
Think about describing your business in a way that attracts people to want to speak with you over the morning tea break.
Look around you
I don’t mean, see if there is someone “safe” to talk to. Networking isn’t about catching up with your buddies. Locate someone standing alone and approach them with a cheery hello and introduce yourself. They’ll be so grateful.
Be ready to shake hands
Keep your right hand free. The type of handshake you extend to a stranger speaks volumes about you and your intentions. Take the initiative and extend your hand when you meet someone new. As you greet the individual, make eye contact, smile, extend your hand and introduce yourself. This non-verbal communication will help you build rapport before you even say a word.
Extend your hand and say something like, I’d like to introduce myself. I’m ……. I saw your name pop up on LinkedIn (or wherever you saw it). I’m pleased to meet you. You have an interesting business.
Win the name game
If you’ve done your pre-meeting research you may even be able to recall some names. When you meet someone for the first time use their name frequently in conversation to embed it into your memory.
Show interest and ask questions
Good networking is about establishing how you can help others, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Remember people love to be the focus of attention. Ask them questions about themselves and their business:
So, Sue I saw that you’re in the printing business;
- What prompted you to start your business?
- So, John, you’re a personal trainer?
Do you work out of a studio? | Who are your ideal clients? - So Sue, I was interested in what you said about …… Tell me more about that.
Give a sincere compliment
Everyone is happy to receive a compliment, even from a new connection. Use what you know about the person to choose the best accolade. It’s advisable to compliment someone on his or her business accomplishments or talents.
Follow up
After the meeting, refer to the business cards you’ve collected at the meeting. Send a short email or social media message. Select one or two people you met and extend an invitation for coffee. That’s doesn’t mean, hone in and close a sale. Simply use a coffee meeting to build rapport and learn more about your new colleague.
Business referrals can come from unlikely sources. You really don’t know who can connect you with your ideal customer or client.
Contributed by:
Liz Paine
Director and Principal Consultant
Learning Insight
www.learninginsight.com.au