5 Tips for Successful Networking for Entrepreneurs
March 20th, 2018 Tags: Dexter Montgomery, leadership, Networking, Pamela Montgomery
Posted in Networking for Entrepreneurs
Successful Networking for Entrepreneurs
5 Tips for Successful Networking for Entrepreneurs
What if you had five tips for successful networking for entrepreneurs?
Would that help you to make new contacts with potential clients? Would a few time-proven tips for successful networking for entrepreneurs give your business the opportunity to get a needed boost of innovative ideas or capital? Perhaps you would you gain greater visibility, credibility, and authority as you build relationships
If so, then read on to learn about how to become a savvy networker. In this article I share with you the strategies that I have used over the years as an attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker to connect to hundreds of people who have been helpful to both my business and my career.
1. Do Your Homework Before the Event
Study the event literature ahead of time. Check out the event’s Facebook page, if it has one. Be sure to make a note of people you would like to meet at the event.
Then look up the people you would like to meet on LinkedIn or Facebook. But do not be creepy about it.
For example, do not research every detail of their personal lives and then scare your new contacts.
Know just enough to focus on one thing – their specialty is the best bet. For example, you can truthfully say, “I hear you are the expert to go to, when it comes to setting up a podcast.”
Be careful not to ask for free advice on your WordPress podcasting plugin conflict. Instead focus on your contact. Give him an opportunity to talk about why he loves podcasting.
If you think you can absolutely use your new contact’s services, ask if she has an opening for a new client.
Exchange business cards or contact details, promise to call or email about your needs. Then contact him within twenty-four hours.
2. Bring Someone with You
If you are shy or nervous about attending the event, ask someone to go with you. Choose carefully and choose someone whose presence would add to the event. Ask someone who would genuinely enjoy it.
For example, if you are going to a “small business organization” conference and the friendly administrative assistant who helps you with social media expresses an interest, she will most likely be the perfect guest to take.
Having someone supportive and professionally savvy with you helps defuse shyness. Also, you can introduce each other to key people you know will be good contacts.
Successful Networking for Entrepreneurs
3. Set Personal Goals
This is different from your main goal in attending a networking event. Set personal goals only you will ever know about for the event itself.
For example, if you are “bad with names,” plan to learn and remember the names of six people.
These goals should be unique to you and designed to help get you past blocks.
For example, plan to get contact information from five people if you are hesitant about asking for business cards or email addresses. Or plan to simply talk to three people during each break.
When you are focused on meeting a goal, you are more likely to push yourself. That is when you will meet or even exceed your goals.
4. Organize the Event Yourself
One of the best ways to defuse fear of attending networking events lies in organizing one yourself. Here are a few tips to help you organize a successful networking event:
- Find out everything you can about organizing a successful event
- Decide what type would best suit your intended audience and your level of comfort
- Hire an experienced assistant – or recruit an experienced volunteer, if you do not have experience organizing events
- Find an industry peer to co-host it with you.
- Keep the event as simple as possible.
Once you have organized a networking event you will never feel quite as intimidated or bored with a networking event again.
5. Follow Up After the Event
Do not just connect with people.
Look for opportunities to help them.
For example, do you have a template back at your home office that would solve your new contact’s problem?
Is there a link you can share to a valuable resource?
Promise to send whatever it is that you have told your new contact about, if she is receptive. Then be sure to follow up when you get home and send it straight away. Sending it within twenty-four hours is the norm, and what people will look for.
Here is another helpful hint to use after the event. You should always try having something valuable you can send or share. This is a natural way to get your new contact’s email address.
If your new contact lives in the same city, invite her out for lunch or for coffee. Also, let her know about other events you think she might like.
If your new contact lives out of town and you hear she is going to visit, put her up at your house if the two of you have really hit it off.
If the connection is not quite strong enough for that, arrange to have breakfast or lunch when she is in town.
Conclusion/Call to Action
By following these 5 tips for successful networking for entrepreneurs, you will increase your credibility, visibility, and authority as you build relationships. Remember to:
- Do Your Homework
- Bring Someone with You
- Set Personal Goals
- Organize the Event Yourself
- Follow Up
For more networking tips check out the following articles:
How to Network Like an Awesome Entrepreneur
Networking Tips for Entrepreneurs: You Can Be a Star
10 Practical Self-Improvement Tips for 2018
Networking in the Age of Social Media
At My Biz Dream Team, we show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you reach your money goals. Check out The Strategic Pathway to Success Program™. Let us show you how to reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love! Act today.
Pamela Montgomery
I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, providing results-oriented strategies that help you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!
Also published on Medium.
Comments are closed.