How to Maximize the Value of a Networking Event in 2023
By ShaChena Gibbs
Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and job seekers must all network!
But, do people take full use of networking opportunities?
The purpose of networking is to build relationships so that you may obtain leads from individuals you know or people who know people you know. Attending a networking event allows you to network with experts from other businesses.
What is networking not?
Because networking is not a numbers game, you should value quality above quantity. Some people wrongly feel that if they collected 30, 40, or more business cards, their event was a success. How many of these 30 or 40 people can you contact? How many of these 30 or 40 folks will get back to you?
Why collect so many business cards if they’re just going to wind up in a shoebox on one of your shelves?
It is not the time to make a deal when networking. To introduce yourself, you must be prepared to offer your elevator pitch, not a sales pitch. If you go to an event expecting to find a customer to complete a transaction right away, you may be disappointed. Furthermore, your demeanor may not be well appreciated by the other guests.
What is networking, exactly?
Networking is more than just exchanging business cards and handshakes.
It entails making relationships and offering to assist other business experts.
It is more crucial to prioritize the quality of your contacts over the number.
It’s all about consistency. The ideal situation is to belong to two or three groups, engage in their activities on a regular basis, and get to know the other members so that they may get to know you and trust you in return. When you engage with the same people on a regular basis, you form a close relationship with them. The benefit of connecting with a devoted group of individuals is that it can generate new leads for your business.
Patience is a quality. You must maintain contact with your contacts because the benefit will not appear immediately. Networking, like dating, takes several meetings in order to actually get to know someone. It will undoubtedly take some time, meetings, lunches, or beverages before you can begin doing business together.
Here are some pointers for maximizing the benefits of a networking event.
- Be prepared when attending a networking event. Understand your goals. Do you require fresh leads, partners, consumers, or services?
- Don’t forget to bring a pen to jot down notes on the backs of business cards.
- Prepare a 15- to 30-second elevator pitch. Learn how to promote yourself before you offer your services or items. People want to learn about you first, and if they trust you and your ability, they will either hire you or refer you to someone else.
- *You should have a website and/or a brochure. Give them the opportunity to learn what they need to know since some of them may want to learn more about your business in the future.
- Approach strangers and enquire about their goods or services. Make an inquiry to learn more. People love to talk about themselves, so ask questions and listen to their replies.
- Find solutions to problems. People will be more interested in you if you demonstrate your capacity to handle their issue rather than simply informing them about your own.
- Approach people rather than for them to approach you. Some people are rather shy, and they would prefer it if you made the first move.
- Go to events with a friend, coworker, or client and introduce yourself.
- Express your gratitude to your new contacts in writing or by email. Thank them for their time and reintroduce yourself briefly. They chatted with a lot of people at the event, and your business card does not fairly portray you. As a result, it is essential to reiterate your introduction.
- Give them a link to your website. Inform folks about your newsletter if you have one. This is the most efficient method of staying in touch.
- Schedule follow-up appointments with the people you met or with whom you believe you may collaborate.
- Maintain your efforts. You’ll learn that networking may help you expand your contact list, which will undoubtedly help your business grow.
Keep Rising,
ShaChena Gibbs
ShaChena Gibbs is an award-winning entrepreneur, educator, and association leader who has dedicated her efforts to helping businesses achieve their goals. She has over a decade of experience and is well-versed in the home-based business industry and the difficulties that businesses face on a daily basis. Her expertise spans market research, financial analysis, strategy formulation, and product development. She is a natural problem solver and leader with the ability to build strong relationships. ShaChena is assisting businesses in growing and is driven to make an impact in the world.