Top 10 tips for Business Networking

Networking is a key way to generate leads, the most effective but least expensive way to introduce your business to potential customers and like minded people in the business industry. Networking will help create trusting relationships and friendships with other business people.

Here are 10 tips for when you take you business to a networking event

1. Dress professionally

It's important to look professional to other networkers, making a good first impression counts. This doesn mean you should wear a suit but make sure to dress appropriately and smart for the event.

2. Be social

Make sure to move around the event, it's important to talk to as many people as you can and understand what their business is all about. Remember everyone is there to talk to as many businesses as they can, so bringing your conversation to an end by politely saying ‘it's been nice talking to you, I look forward to speaking again soon’ they will understand as they are at the event for the same reason.

3. Listen

Listening is a great skill to have and it's important to listen to what other networkers have to say about their business. Don’t take over the conversation. It's important to listen to other people's challenges in their business. Not only can you recommend solutions, you may be able to learn from their experience. Make sure to ask open questions, where you can relate to as well, this will help create productive working relationships.

4. Introduce yourself confidently

There may be quite a lot of background noise at a networking event, so it's important to introduce yourself with your name and business clearly and confidently. You can show confidence by making eye contact, open body language and a smile

5. Be prepared

Ensure to bring plenty of business cards that are clean and fresh. Don’t force these upon networkers only give them out if you feel like you could be a help to their business or if they are going to introduce you to someone they know. Make sure you have them accessible for you to easily get from your bag/suit pocket.

6. Make referrals and introductions

Always make sure when you refer someone to make clear their contact details, that could be a phone  number, their linkedin or email.

If you are the person who was introduced and referred to by someone it's always a nice gesture to keep them up to date with how things are going and thank them not only digitally but when you see them in person. It will also show people around you the credibility of the referrals and how successful they have been to someone else.

7. Keep attending

Attend on a regular basis this ensures you build strong relationships with other regular networkers. It is a chance to meet new people at each event and you never know the opportunities you can get from just speaking to someone new.

8. Get out your comfort zone

Naturally you will gravitate towards people you know but by doing this you are defeating the object of going to a networking event and meeting new people for new opportunities. Make sure to approach new networkers to get the most out of the event.

9. Develop relationships

Networking events are not about selling yourself, it's all about creating trusting reliable relationships that can lead to sales in the future. The event is ultimately to get to know people and for them to get to know you before they get involved with their business.

10. Follow up

Building a reputation for your business is important so making sure to follow up after speaking to networkers is very important. It’s half the battle creating connections but you need to carry on the relationship you built at the event. Keep in touch by sending them an email, dropping them a message or connecting on Linkedin within a week since the event.

Follow these tips and enjoy a very successful networking event!