Tag Archives: networking

3 Steps to Easy Networking

Coffee - wu-yi-137010-unsplash copy

photo courtesy of Wu Yi, Unsplash

Have you ever walked into a networking event and wanted to walk right back out because you were nervous?

You are not alone.

Walking into a room full of strangers can be intimidating for most people, but particularly if you are an introvert.

Networking is essential to one’s  success, so, here are 3 tips to make your next networking event a breeze.

Perfect your pitch

The key to making great connections is knowing how to talk about yourself and your work with a powerful introduction. Your introduction, sometimes called an elevator speech, is a brief description of the products or services you provide and the clients you serve.
Writing a great intro is the first step, but it’s important to rehearse it before an event. The way we write and the way we speak are very different. Saying your introduction out loud will help refine it so it’s more conversational. It will also build your confidence so when you’ll know exactly what to say when someone asks, ‘What do you do?’.

Have a few ice breakers ready

In my work with clients, I often hear “I never know what to say” or “How do I start a conversation?” Here are a few ice breakers to start a conversation with anyone in the room.
“I don’t think we’ve met yet. I’m (name).”
“What brings you to the event?”
“What do you do? / Tell me about your business”

Prepare your Mindset

Before you head into your next event, take a few minutes to get into the right frame of mind. Begin by take a few deep breathes to calm your nerves. Then, set your intention for what you’d like to get out of the event. Do you want to connect with a certain number of connections? Are you looking to meet someone in a specific industry – perhaps someone who can be a referral partner? Having a goal in mind will give make your networking more targeted, reducing an nerves that creep up.
Looking for a network to make great connections and find support? Join the Strong Women Support Network.

Are you hungry for more visibility?

Being visible. It’s not always easy.

I recently attended the San Gennaro festival here in New York City. When I walk through street fairs or food festivals like this one, I’m always amazed at how multiple vendors can sell the same product – gelato, cannoli, sausage & pepper heroes, – yet, each vendor has a line of customers.

“Chocolate cannoli, here”

“Homemade gelato”

“Best pizza in New York city”

Each vendor has his or her own unique selling point. You can say their success is due to marketing or a terrific food product.

I think visibility is what creates lines of hungry customers. Each vendor was on the street interacting with patrons telling them about his or her delicious product.

SanGennaro

Interestingly, I talk to entrepreneurs who don’t have the same visibility in their businesses.

I speak with entrepreneurs who want to build their business through social media, web sites, blogs, and other valuable content. Having an online presence is important, but at some point you have to get out from behind the computer and connect with prospects face-to-face.

If you’re not seeing traction or achieving your business goals, I have a suggestion:

Make yourself visible.

Attend a networking event and meet people one-on-one.

Or offer to speak at that same networking group and dazzle the crowd all at once.

Show them your secret sauce.

And you too could have a line of customers at your door.

Now it’s your turn. How do you make your business visible? Share your thoughts in the comments below.