Mar 27

Mar 27 HOW TO APPROACH PEOPLE AT NETWORKING EVENTS (Part 4 & 5)

TYPES OF NETWORKING EVENTS

Networking in person definitely works. There are three types of networking forums businesses usually adopt:

1.     Formal
The coordinator will look after you on your arrival, introduce you to as many of the attendees as possible allowing you’re an opportunity to promote yourself and business in front of everyone. The organisers giving you a chance to share opportunities put this formal structure together. The event will be filled with successful attendee and you will be expected to get involved.

2.     Informal
you will be notified of the attendees but not always introduced to them personally s you will be expected to approach them yourself. These informal events tend to have less structure and it can be harder when looking for an opportunity to promote you. Unlike the formal event, there is not as much pressure to contribute to opportunities or get involved.

3.     Speed networking
you will be given 90 seconds to talk to one person about yourself and business. When a whistle is blown they will respond and talk about their business. After 90 seconds you will move on to someone new and repeat the process all over.
This process is very simple and fun.

Before attending any event it is important that you do some preparation … read further to find out how!

HOW TO APPROACH PEOPLE AT NETWORKING EVENTS

So before attending any event where you’ll have to sell yourself and business to people through networking it is very crucial that you prepare below is a checklist of what you should be aware of

Take your business cards – this should have all your contact details and relevant business objective
Target who you must speak too in order of priority – be very selective with how you spend your time. You haven’t got an attendee list ask the organiser to give you an introduction.
Know about yourself
Be up-to-date about the changes going on in your filed
Be aware of any news breaking stories in your field or global that can be a great conversation starter.

Depending on the event format you must be able to talk and introduce yourself in a precise manner whilst conveying all key information such are:

1)   Who are you?
2)   What qualifications/ skills do you have?
3)   Career goals
4)   Most successful moments – (if you’ve worked with celebrities or people of influence mention it!)
5)   Always give them something they can use to contact and remember you – Business card.

Event day – any tips?

o Before joining any convert be polite and ask – “may I join you”

o Take the opportunity when you see someone alone to go over and introduce yourself –
“Hi, I don’t think we’ve met, my name is.”

o Listen to people when they talk – it can be tiring but it will provide valuable information

o Listen to conversations going on around you – you can pick up priceless advice by being attentive

o REMEMBER your planned targets – study them before hand. What they do/ their business and target the right time to approach them.