The art of networking.   Or is it more like being a pick up artist?    

Most people go to networking events expecting to pick up clients.   They think it’s a matter of exchanging business cards, shaking hands and getting a sale.  Contrary to public opinion, the person who leaves with the most business cards, doesn’t necessarily win.

I’ve even met entrepreneurs who travel with their “square” attachment (or other forms of taking payment) when they go to events as they expect an immediate sale.

It doesn’t work that way.  You’re missing the “know, like & trust” factor.

I’ll bet if you asked everyone at the next networking event you go to how many people want to get a new client from this event, everyone would raise his or her hands.

I’ll also bet if you asked everyone how many of them wanted to be “sold” to that night, that none of them would raise their hands.

Do you see the discrepancy?  Everyone wants a sale yet no one wants to be sold to.

Networking is necessary for entrepreneurs to do if they want to grow their business but most people don’t do it right.  They end up getting frustrated or resenting having to spend their time this way.

One thing I was very lucky about is that my mother did a lot of entertaining and taught me how to network.  It’s a form of etiquette and there most definitely is an art to it (if you want to do it successfully).

I want to share 10 top tips with you so you have a better experience next time:

1. Don’t go to the networking event looking for a sale.  The people you meet will sense it and will not be attracted to you.   They’ll feel like a piece of “meat.” (Ladies – remember those nights when you’d go to nightclubs?  It’s the exact same feeling. )

 

2. Don’t always go to the same group’s events.  Mix it up so you can meet other people and experience different styles.

 

3. Set some intentions before going.  Maybe there’s a resource you’re looking for or a question you need answered.

 

4. Make notes on the business cards you collect of the conversation you had with the person.   This will help you the next day to recall.

 

5. Speaking of business cards, make sure yours are easy to read.  Especially the phone number and email address.  I’ve seen so many “cutesy” business cards that are impossible to read.

 

6. Follow up the next day and set up a time to further connect or for a strategy session.

 

7. Stay organized with the business cards you collect.  I’ve tried a lot of CRM’s and my favorite right now is Less Annoying.  I’m big on being organized and this system is super easy to use.

 

8. Schedule several networking events each month and put them on your calendar.  You may even want to try some at different times of day.

 

9. If you don’t like your experience when you network, change it.  This was advice I recently gave one of my clients and it worked like a charm.

 

10.  Be authentic.  Show up as whom you are.  Show up in your brand.  Have fun and enjoy!

 

Be Brilliant,

Mindset, Money & Marketing Expert

P.S.  Ready to learn how to hold amazing strategy sessions with your clients and learn exactly what to say?  Join me at my live 3 day training, The Money Zone Event.  Early Bird tickets available through Friday, April 30^th.  Register here.