Five Easy Ways To Improve In-Person Networking (And Accelerate Business Growth)
All successful businesses are built on relationships. Whether you have an online or offline business - networking is important.
In this article I’ll share:
Five easy strategies to help you improve your networking skills
1 - Start viewing your connections as social capital.
I first heard about this concept form the The founders of VentureFizz. And what it means is that your connections and relationships hold a lot of value.
For example: I connected two of my friends after Hurrican Katrina, and together they grew a non-profit called Music for tomorrow that helped musicians return to New Orleans. The two of them also used their connections to then get celebrities like Brad Pitt and Jude Law involved who helped them raise even more money.
I also recently met a woman at another networking event and we were discussing healthcare, and it turned out that she was paying about 10 times too much for her healthcare. All I did was put her in touch with my healthcare guy, and that then saved her money.
So as you can see, there's huge value in the connections that you already have.
2 - Add value
Building on the content above, you want to ensure that you’re adding value. Start thinking about the connections that you have within your network that you can put this person in contact with and how that will help them. Networking is a lot like karma, what you put out there is most likely also going to come back to you. The more positive connections you can put out there and the more value you can give to other people, the more value you'll receive in return.
3 - Treat in-person networking like a first date
Usually when we go on a first date we are on our best behavior, and only reveal certain parts of our personality and life to the date. So when you go to an in-person networking event, be sure to take a minute to really think how you want to show up to the event and what energy you want to bring to the conversations you’ll have. Remember nothing is more magnetic than someone who shows up confidently and authentically.
4 - Keep your elevator pitch short and sweet
Ensure that you have a short and sweet introduction about who you are and what your business is/who you help and how.
Make sure that it’s clear and concise – and if it is possible – sneak something memorable or funny about your business in there.
5 - Remember to follow-up
Finally, you definitely want to remember to follow up with people. I know of so many people that I've met at networking events that never bothered to email me back. That's a big no-no. When you don't follow up immediately, that person will forget who you are within a few days which means that you spent all the energy for nothing. Remember, just because a connection isn’t your ideal client or don’t refer business to you immediately doesn't mean that they won't be able to help you later.
I hope you enjoyed this article and it will help you to become a great networker that adds value and receives lots of referrals!
If you liked what you read here, here’s how you can get more support from me to become the best entrepreneur you can be:
Accelerate your growth with this free handy download
Read my bestselling book, The Up Level Project
Join my group accountability program: Business Growth Achievers
Work with me: Book a 1:1 consultation with me here
Here’s another useful article that you may enjoy: How can a business coach help me?
