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How to Network Like an Awesome Entrepreneur
How to Network Like an Awesome Entrepreneur
How to Network Like an Awesome Entrepreneur
Do you dread going to networking events? Yes, I understand your fear and concern. As an attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker I have attended hundreds of networking events and agonized over what to do and say. You may wonder whether you will say the right things. Perhaps, you are thinking whether it will be worth your time and effort to attend. What if I shared with you, 5 quick and easy strategies that I have learned and used that will allow you to network like an awesome entrepreneur? Would you find that helpful?
If so, continue reading to find out how you can network like an awesome entrepreneur.
1. Prepare and Ask Follow-Up Questions
The first strategy in learning to network like an awesome entrepreneur is to prepare and use great follow up questions. When the person you have approached responds to your opening comments you need to have a great follow-up question to ask to continue the conversation.
If all you can think of is “oh, that’s nice” your new contact will not be impressed.
Before you go to the event think up follow-up questions that will get your new contact talking.
Try to put yourself in her shoes. What questions would she like for you to ask? Remember, people like to talk about themselves. Ask follow-up questions that will allow them to impress you!
For example:
• “What do you like most about being a ___________?”
• “What got you started in _____________?”
• “Did you imagine in high school you’d be a __________ one day?
• Did you always know you were going to ____________?”
• “That must entail a lot of responsibility. How do you deal with _________?”
Remember before going to a networking event to brainstorm follow-up questions that are guaranteed to get the other person talking!
For more tips on savvy networking check out the following blog posts and podcasts:
Networking Tips for Entrepreneurs: You Can be a Star
Network Like a Pro!
2. Donate to Networking Events
The second strategy in learning how to network like an awesome entrepreneur is to donate items to the networking event. Just make sure the items are incredibly useful and memorable.
For example, if people are going to want to take notes, give out mini-clipboards with notepads and pens on. Brand your donated item.
Or if it is an outdoor sports event, give away baseball caps branded with your information.
The key with any sort of giveaway is to make sure:
• The giveaway is visually and aesthetically pleasing – a nice shape that fits comfortably in a pocket or beautiful color
• It is going to be something indispensable – something highly useful and relevant
• The giveaway includes your contact information and what you do – your big benefit – so that when people need someone who provides what you provide, they remember to go check out that giveaway that they are still using.
3. Use a Custom Nametag at Networking Events
The third strategy in learning how to network like an awesome entrepreneur is to create a permanent custom badge. Then use it at networking events.
Lose that paper nametag that you find at the door of networking events!
Make sure that your custom name badge reflects your business. By choosing the right shape or graphic with your name displayed within or underneath it can help people remember you much better than they remember your peers.
Your custom name badge can also be a conversation starter!
You might also want to consider putting your name on a custom-made tin badge with your snappy slogan – the one you wrote specifically for the networking event.
4. Volunteer at Networking Events
Volunteer at networking events. This has several distinct advantages.
First, you are perceived as an “insider” – someone who it could be worthwhile getting to know.
Second, you get a “sneak peek” at the people attending without any pressure on you, all while you are helping them.
Also, unbelievably, volunteering can be the perfect strategy if you are an introvert. The benefits vary but are substantial. For example, you can:
• Familiarize yourself with the venue before the rest of the world arrives.
• Meet key organizers who will make you feel comfortable.
• Use your official capacity to speak to people in comfort.
Familiarizing yourself in advance with unfamiliar places is something you probably consciously do already – only this time, you are also familiarizing yourself with people you want to meet.
Not only do you get to meet and assess people, you also get to decide on exactly who you want to follow up with later.
5. Arrive Early at Networking Events
This simple little strategy can make you more valuable contacts than all other strategies lumped together!
When you arrive early, you meet other proactive and organized people. There is a more relaxed pace, and people naturally tend to chat before the event begins.
This is when the most natural conversations take place.
This is when people really will remember you!
For other great tips on networking, check out this article at businessnewsdaily.com: 7 Ways to Make a Connection
Conclusion/Call to Action
If you are interested in networking like an awesome entrepreneur, then follow these 5 strategies.
1. Prepare and Ask Follow-up Questions
2. Donate to Networking Events
3. Use a Custom Nametag
4. Volunteer at Networking Events
5. Arrive Early
By following these 5 networking strategies, you will feel at ease, make great connections, and network like an awesome entrepreneur.
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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!
Posted in Networking for Entrepreneurs 
