New clients are generally developed through the contacts we have made with other people. Business networking meetings and events provide the opportunity to enlarge the contact list especially when we build and cherish quality relations. Networking is not all about attending such events, visiting a networking group, have gossip with many people and collect as many business cards as possible. Business networking is all about building long lasting relationships and the networking events have huge potential for new relationships. Here come some strategies to make profits from networking:
Go for an appropriate networking event according to your interest. Good networking can be done only by attending business conferences, trade exhibitions and business networking events where you expect people of your business category to come. Going on every meeting does not generate good results.
Effective networking does not spell out making relationships with every one at a business meeting. Your focus should be quality instead of quantity. So meet and follow only those who match your interests. You must have seen some people in these events talking to one person while looking around. These people know about the networking rules well they are looking for the next victim actually. They just don’t stick to one person for too long, rather they excuse themselves after ten minutes or so by saying” it was nice meeting you”. Then they move on to the next person of group of their interest. Don’t just go to everyone. Focus on quality of contacts not quantity.
Be prepared to make your first impression everlasting. You have only one chance to build first impression. So do it right because if it’s done wrong, can’t be corrected afterwards. Factors which make up this first impression include your handshake style, your smile, confidence and the overall thoughtfulness. Handshake should be confident and firm to show your openness. Meet people with a true smile on the face and eye contact. Observe their eye color during your introduction. Listen to their introduction carefully and show your interest by asking to repeat their name if they don’t say it loudly. Ask them what they do before telling anything about you. Continue the conversation about their business, give comments and ask details about their business. Show your interest which will create their interest for you.
Talk clearly and concisely about your business. Put emphasis on important words. Prepare an introduction and presentation for your business. Introduction will elaborate what you do actually. It explains that what you exactly have to offer. The intro should be interesting enough for other people to ask questions about your business. When they ask, present your business intro in front of them. But always be genuine and truly honest. Never tell misleading stories as trust is the basic factor for any relation.
Invest on follow up. After the initial meeting you must follow up the people immediately, who you want to continue the relation with. Send handwritten notes to show your willingness and interest in continuing the relation.
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