Networking Tips
1. Carry business cards with you everywhere. Make sure your details are up to date. If you have a new number or email address, don’t scribble it on. Get some new ones printed and look professional.
2. Be prepared by bringing along plenty of business cards, brochures and marketing material. If you have the chance to speak to the room, have a short to the point speech prepared and to hand. It should at least include your name, business name, what you do, contact number and what you are looking for or any introductions to other companies you are looking to get in contact with.
3. Swap business cards and when receiving a business card always look at it on both sides before placing in your pocket.
4. It’s hard but try not to sit by people you know. Remember you are there to meet new people. Always go to network meeting with the aim to talk to at least 3 new people. Be genuine, honest and see how you can help fellow networkers. Relax and be yourself.
5. Show interest in the other person and what it is they do. Asking open-ended questions i.e. who are they? what is their business? why they set up their business and where are they based. People love others being interested in their business - aren’t you? This type of questioning shows that you are interested in them. Your time will come to tell them about your business.
6. When talking about your business be prepared. Tell them what you do; why you started in business, what makes your business different from others in the same industry.
7. When asking for referrals, be specific. Don't say "who do you know who needs an new website?” say "who do you know who has started up in business, has an under performing website or is simply fed up with their web designer not completing updates on-time?".
8. Be positive and leave any problems you have behind. No one likes moaning and negative people. First impressions last and a smile goes a long way. People are more likely to do business with people who are friendly and are easy to get on with.
9. The next day add contacts to your database and put these to good use. Send an e-mail to everyone saying it was nice to meet him or her and looking forward to meeting those you did not get time to meet at the next meeting. Provide a link to your website and your details too.
REMEMBER you could be talking to a person who may at some point need your services in the future and vice versa but most importantly remember they have friends, colleagues, and contacts who might refer you too.
Now you have some networking tips why not come join us and put them to the test. We would love to meet you and there
is always a warm welcome awaiting everyone at our networking group. Click the "Invite me link" below and send us your details and we will put you on the list for our next meeting.
