Networking 2.0

Taking the time to set yourself up for success before a business networking event can make a huge difference!

Make the best use of your valuable time when attending business networking events, receptions, trade shows and conferences. You are constantly being observed from the moment you make your entrance to your point of departure. Follow the advice given below to gain the confidence and comfort to successfully “work” a room with ease and poise.

Simple steps to get the most from business networking training and working a room:

• Advance preparation
• Making an entrance
• Executing the perfect handshake
• Mastering the art of introduction
• Using eye-contact to build rapport and convey self-assurance
• Becoming an expert at small talk
• Remembering names
• Handling business cards effectively
• Effective mingling techniques
• Food and drink savvy
• Exiting gracefully and follow-up

Here are some business networking training tips:

When someone asks you, “What do you do?” that is a fabulous marketing opportunity! Avoid saying, “I am a _______” because the other person will automatically associate you with every other person they’ve met in your profession and assume they know who you are and what you do. Instead, focus on solving a specific problem for a specific group of people. “I work with [insert specific group] who are having the challenge of [insert specific problem].”

No one needs to hear your entire work history upon meeting you. If someone asks you to tell them a bit about yourself, your explanation from start to finish shouldn’t take more than 30 to 60 seconds. Complaining in general has no place in business networking – whether it’s about unemployment, how tough your job is, or how bad your former employer was. It doesn’t do any good to complain about how bad business or the economy is. People don’t want to do business with someone who is grumpy.

The old adage is true: People were given two ears and one mouth, and you should use them proportionately. How to work a room includes spending more time listening to and understanding the person in front of you than talking about yourself. Once you have truly understood what drives this person, then you can introduce yourself and tell your own stories in a way that best fits their specific interests or needs.

Now, you are much more likely to get a referral or make a successful contact out of the conversation. Business networking in St. Louis refers to the “Cardinal Rule” of networking: Once you’ve planted the seeds of a new relationship, follow up to develop it.

Whether it’s a business referral, job lead, or a professional connection; get in touch – within 24 hours – to say you enjoyed meeting them.

Hosting a business networking training workshop is a great way to help build interpersonal skills and deliver confidence when meeting with clients. For business networking training in St. Louis, Kansas City, Chicago and more contact Ginny today.