5 Things To Do At A Networking Event

Good evening Bloggers and Readers from a chilly Umhlanga.  At the start of this month
I thought I would give you some networking tips.  I hope you will use them well.

1.  Know what you want to do before you get there


That may sound quite odd but basically what I am saying is before you go to the event you want to
have 3 or 4 people that you want to meet at that meeting.  People that might be able to benefit from your
business.  So at the meeting make sure you meet those 3 or 4 people you wanted to meet.  Don't be the person who just goes to the meeting for the coffee and donuts.

2.  Have your business cards at the ready


I have said it before and I will say it again.  Make sure you have your business cards before you head out.
Get yourself a nice business card holder so when people ask for your card it looks neat and professional.
Always ask for the other persons business card and right down some notes on their business cards.  Right down who they are, where they live, notes you have learnt about them.   How they can help you.

3.  Make sure you go to the right meetings


Over time you will discover which meetings are working for you and which meetings are not.  No point going to a meeting where you are getting no leads.  Avoid meetings that you do not enjoy.   Your aim is to find a networking meeting or group where you have fun and where you enjoy the people who are there.  Also look for one's where they have good speakers.    The best networking meetings are one's where you get referrals.  Make sure you return the favour with those in the network.

4.  Start going to conferences


Now some people are intimidated by conferences.   Some people feel there are too many people there.  However you will be amazed at the people you meet there.   So choose one that you feel might interest you and head off to it.  Start speaking to people, say hello, ask them why they are there.
You will be amazed how this pays off.

5.  Thank the host


One of the mistakes you sometimes make is after the meeting to just speed off to your next business meeting.
Wait.  Are you not forgetting something?  That's right.  The host.   Make sure when the meeting starts you greet them and when the meeting ends you thank them for the meeting.  Send them an email afterwards as well and start to build a relationship with them.


Hope those networking tips help you out when you head off to your next networking meeting.

Fly high, Fly Free

Fred Felton
Falcon's Cove Consulting
Keynote Speaker - IT Consultant - Biz Analyst

Book Fred for one of his Social Media Talks or Workshops Countrywide