Networking events are very useful for budding entrepreneurs. Connecting with people who belong to fields similar to or different from yours can give you important insights into how to conduct your business.
Statistics say that nearly 80% of B2B customers make important business decisions based on their interactions with each other.
So, if you’re going to attend a networking event for the first time or don’t know what happens in these gatherings, you must make a great first impression! Here are some easy dos and don’ts that will help you to turn heads in the room!
1. DO: Introduce yourself to the organizer
Yes, it’s important to introduce yourself to other members of the event, but if the organizer has no idea who you are, it won’t really do much to help you!
Therefore, remember to always introduce yourself to the organizer of the event right in the beginning. He/she can give you valuable insights regarding the event, its outcomes, and what he/she expects from the guests who are attending.
If they’re impressed with your introduction, they might even introduce you to influential people!
2. DO: Hand out business cards
Business cards are a great way to make people remember you. And if the cards are stylish, then you can be sure to make a lot of important business partners and customers shortly!
Phone business cards are becoming increasingly popular today due to their convenience and affordability. All you have to do is give out the card and say just one or two lines about your business.
When the NFC chip inside the card is tapped against the receiver’s smartphone, they can quickly go through the contents of the card!
3. DO: Ask meaningful questions
While asking questions is always appreciated at networking events, you have to make sure that the questions you ask have depth and meaning.
For example, if a fellow guest talks about their business, listen to them intently and encourage them to go on. Ask them what their bestsellers are, what hurdles they faced, or what advice they would give beginners.
You’ll be surprised by how many different insights you’ll gather in just one event! Moreover, this will make the other person appreciate your curiosity!
See also: A Comprehensive Guide to Enhancing Business Efficiency with Controlio
4. DO: Be yourself
Of course, being yourself is one of the most important things to remember!
You wish to strengthen your connections in the corporate world and there’s no better way to do that than by being your honest self. And once you’re comfortable with how you present yourself and your ideas, your confidence will automatically increase.
The people who positively respond to your style of communication will be the ones with whom you can enjoy a long and fruitful business partnership.
5. DON’T: Ramble on about your business
It’s important to talk about your business during networking events so that more and more people get to know you and your brand, but if you keep rambling on about the same thing to different people, it can have a negative impact on your company.
So, try to speak about your company and its products in concise and clear language. Make a creative introduction, speak a little, and then give an equally-creative conclusion. Moreover, make sure you don’t sound like you’re reading from a rehearsed monologue.
6. DON’T: Wait for people to come to you
Networking events can be scary for business owners who don’t like approaching people. But here, you have to take the first step and talk to as many people as possible.
Being a wallflower will only reduce your chances of being seen or heard by fellow business owners.
If you feel that you won’t be comfortable talking to too many people, choose a selected few and try talking to them first. Once you’re comfortable interacting with your chosen set of people, proceed to more people.
7. DON’T: Attend the event without any preparation
You might think that networking events are only about talking and exchanging ideas, but they are also so much more than that!
Being prepared will always give you an upper hand as you’ll know who the organizers and guest speakers are, which company owners will be present, and how they will interact with others.
This will also give you ideas on how to prepare your own business pitch. So, never attend any networking event without knowing these basic bits of information.
Over to you…
Yes, networking events can be strange and even frightening at times, but if you’re a bit prepared beforehand, it will help you seize the opportunity. Apart from all the tips mentioned above, don’t forget to dress nicely – the first impression always starts with how you dress.
