7 Tips For Successful Business Networking

There is no shortage of networking events out there. You can attend them for learning, volunteering, connecting, or just pure socializing. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, evening … you could spend an entire day checking out different groups.

As small business owners, it is imperative that networking become part of your marketing plan.

Below are some tips on how to make your networking work for you.

1. Have networking goals: Know who you are looking to meet. Prospects, investors, other business professionals ... this will help you zero in on which events you should attend. Some will have a list of those who have RSVP’d. Check it out and see if there is anyone you have been wanting to meet.  
2. Be a giver: It’s not all about you. Be genuine and offer your knowledge, information, and connections to help others. Don’t keep score!   
3. Do as you say: My biggest pet peeve is when someone says they will do something and they don’t follow through. If you commit to do something for someone be sure to do it!
4. Be considerate of others time: Hogging the conversation, or any one person, is a big no-no. If you want to get to know someone better, set up a future day/time to speak.
5. Don’t spend the entire time eating and drinking: Eating a meal is sometimes part of the event, but be mindful of how much eating, drinking and talking you are doing. In other words, remember your table manners.
6. Get to know the organizer of the event: Offer to help out with registration, clean up, connections, etc. Tell them who you are looking to meet and see if they can suggest anyone in particular you should talk to. They will probably even offer to make the intro … try it and see!
7. Start your own group: Haven’t found your networking niche, looking to form a new mastermind group, or interested in creating a new concept? No better time than the present to get one going.

Follow these simple steps and you will soon be known as a mover, a shaker, and a great resource on the networking scene.