You can make social events and meetings more than a gathering of people by networking properly.
First and foremost, don't underestimate the power of small talk. Small talk can lead to bigger things. Don't dismiss gatherings because you rarely get past the chitchat. Take the opportunity to lead small talk into more meaningful and valuable exchanges. This is important especially if you are a small or home business owner.
Introduce yourself in a memorable way. The first thing you tell someone about yourself should capture the person's attention. For example, if you're a computer programmer, introduce yourself as 'the person who makes computers work for people.'
Go in with an agenda. Ask yourself what you really want to get out of going to these networking sessions. And then ask yourself what you can give someone else. Conversely, when someone asks for your input, be aware of what you can provide them.
If you know who will attend, identify the people or person you actually would like to meet and talk with before the event. This helps you focus on a purpose and avoid the fruitless card collecting. It's not about how many cards you collect.
Reconnect after the meeting. Don't just exchange business cards. Set a specific time and day to meet again, either in person or with a phone call. Do it within the first week of the event. I suggest calling the next day or at the second day with a "it was great meeting" call. Do this only if you feel it's true.
Always make sure to jot down the date and event on the back of the card you receive. You can also make notes such as 'husband's/wife's name is,' 'has a cat named Susie.'
Special Tips for Small or Home Business Owners
1. If you are attending a fairly informal event or meeting take along a few samples of your product. It should have your name, your business name and telephone number already in place. Do not under any circumstances hand these out like you are running for President. This kind of action is unprofessional and is frowned upon. If you sell Avon products and bring lipstick samples are you going to hand one to a man? No, of course not. If you are talking to a woman who is not wearing any makeup, not even lipstick, are you going to hand her a sample? Absolutely not. But, if she says "I love your makeup, I wish I could find something I like." She's yours. If a man mentions how lovely your skin is, this is not the time to say 'oh, I'm just lucky.' Say I was blessed with good skin, "however...". Then tell him a little about your products and definitely give him your card and show him the sample.
2. If you don't have a business card, get one ASAP. If you have a turnkey business such as Avon, Tupperware, Watkins, etc. make the additional investment of buying their business cards. It's worth the money. If you want to have your own made I suggest Vista Print. They're attractive and free or inexpensive. Spend the extra $'s so you have a card without the small advertising on the back. No matter how small it's still someone else's ad.
3. Introduction or Calling Cards. I ordered cards like this at least 10 years before I went into business. These cards have your name, address, telephone, cell phone, fax information, etc. They are much nicer than writing your name on the corner of a napkin or on the back of someone else's business card. These cards are great if you are still searching for a business. This idea is not my own, I took it from Agatha Christie "Hercule Poirot" novels. Visitors always had calling cards. They placed the card on the housekeeper's tray and she took it to the master/mistress of the house who then invited the visitor to enter.
FYI: I bought my first calling cards from a Walter Drake catalog. I still use WD for some cards and all of my mailing labels. They make me look professional for very little money. About four years ago I started ordering inexpensive calendars with my business name on them to send to my clients. Since I am somewhat frugal I order 100 wallet-sized calendars for less than $10. They are good looking, much appreciated and keep my name in front of the client. I continue to give these away all year long. I come to the rescue when someone asks if anyone has a calendar.
Plastic Pocket Calendars - Set of 100
I highly recommend Dig Your Well before You're Thirsty: The only networking book you'll ever need by Harvey Mackay. I have recommended this book to so many people because it's not written in jargon and gives practical networking advice that you can use everyday.
Hone your skills for work and family and you hone them for living life to the fullest
Copyright: vryanes/fd/lic.
