With over 10 years of experience in the business networking industry, I was recently approached by many individuals requesting to outline the important business networking tips that one should follow in order to create a lasting impression. There is no one best way to go about this which is why I will list a few business networking tips that I feel are the most important.
The first tip and most often done in the opposite, is to be more of a listener than talker. Most business prospects prefer you to be a listener more than a talker. It may sound ironic but the chance of the possible client walking away saying “that was a great conversation” where you practically only say hi, is really what you are after.
This can be achieved my showing genuine interests by asking questions relating to them and their business rather than firing off with your own agenda. Make sure that your conversations are light-hearted, peppered with humour, where appropriate. You want to be able to show a hint of your personality and that you are someone they can relate to.
In addition, by listening and asking questions, you get to qualify the suspect as well as find out potential issues they might need solutions for.
The next tip is to have your elevator pitch sharpened from a scripted version, to a professional, or even a natural delivery. When asked the magic question: “So what do you do?” you are able to place your elevator pitch comfortably at a steady pace without breaking a sweat.
Remember to have the ABCs in your elevator pitch: Ask for Permission, Benefit Statements, Credentialization. Check out Tip no. 2 in my Top 10 Networking Tips.
At the end of that conversation, were you able to leave a clear impression of what distinguishes you from your competitors, without actually bad-mouthing them?
Another recommended business networking tip is managing your time and doing research. In a networking event, you would have set some goals to speak to a number of potential contacts. Juggle your time well, and be objectively guided. When you have made sufficient impact and collected enough information, politely disengage and move on. By getting the delegate list ahead, doing some research on potential targets, you can save much time, and make time spent more targeted.
Try not to focus too much attention to one person. Individuals usually fall into the trap of focusing on one particular prospect that they enjoy talking to or expect the most rewards. Try to talk to as many people as you can without being seen as a social butterfly. A simple ten to fifteen minute conversation would be enough.