1. Don’t arrive late
Showing up early at a networking event is a better strategy than getting there later than others. As one of the first attendees, you’ll notice that it’s calmer and quieter; plus people won’t have settled into groups yet. You get to see who is assisting to the event and it’s easier to find other people who don’t have conversation partners yet.
2. Easy and simple questions
Don’t wait or sit around the edges of the room waiting for someone to approach you. To get the conversation started, simply walk up to a person or a group, and say, “May I join you” or “What brings you to this event?” Don’t forget to listen intently to their replies that way you can reply better and see if they are someone you should network with. If you’re kind of shy and not an extrovert person, you’re probably a very good listener. Listening can be an excellent way to get to know a person.
3. No Sales Pitch
Networking is all about building long lasting relationships. Keep your conversation fun, light and informal. You don’t need to do the hard sell within minutes of meeting a person. The idea is to get a good conversation started. People are more likely to do business with people whose company they enjoy and respect.
4. Share your passion
Win people over with your enthusiasm for your product or service. Leave a good impression by telling a story about why you were inspired or who inspired you to create your company. To talk about what you enjoy is often contagious too. When you get other people to share their passion it creates a memorable conversation.
5. Just Smile
It’s a very simple but overlooked rule of engagement. By smiling, you will put your nervous self at ease, and you’ll also come across as warm and inviting to others. Remember to smile before you enter the room or before you start your next conversation. Leave the negative attitude at the door entrance. Also, smiling is contagious.
Networking is where the conversation starts, not ends. If you’ve had a great exchange, always ask the best way to stay in touch. Some people like email or phone, others prefer social networks like LinkedIn or Facebook. Get in touch within 48 hours of the event to show you’re interested and available, you should reference something you discussed, so your contact remembers you.
