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Networking rarely comes naturally for most people, it will take a lot of patience, repetition, and failure before you feel stronger with it. Follow these three tips to help you survive your next networking event.

I wrote these Ten Rules of Networking 15 years ago. Any updates I should make? Networking events are part and parcel of a business person’s life. Next time you find yourself at a networking event, keep in mind these Ten Rules, and the people you meet will thank me: 1. “Network” isn’t something you do; it is something you build. 2. It takes more time to recover from a weak handshake than it does to learn to give a firm one. 3. Your life story is far more interesting to you than to someone you’ve just met — and you’ve already heard it before. 4. Stories that start with, “This one time, I almost ….” are boring as hell. Learn to embrace experiences instead of avoiding them. 5. Never enter a conversation at a networking event with more than half a drink in your hand. Needing a refill is a great excuse to leave. 6. Asking “What do you do?” within a minute of meeting someone suggests your interest in them depends on their answer. 7. Everyone you meet is a person first and a prospect second. Confuse the two at your peril. 8. When you meet someone for the first time, make certain they don’t hear you complain. About anything. 9. The most underrated skill to possess at networking events is the ability to end conversations, not start them. 10. Never “network” to meet people. Network to help people.

Networking rarely comes naturally for most people, it will take a lot of patience, repetition, and failure before you feel stronger with it. Follow these three tips to help you survive your next networking event.

Networking rarely comes naturally for most people, it will take a lot of patience, repetition, and failure before you feel stronger with it. Follow these three tips to help you survive your next networking event.

Networking rarely comes naturally for most people, it will take a lot of patience, repetition, and failure before you feel stronger with it. Follow these three tips to help you survive your next networking event.

3 Tips to leave a lasting impression at a networking event. 1. Talk to more people. The more people you talk to, the more chances you have. So start as many conversations as possible - even if you are shy. Confidence is a skill, not a trait you’re born with. The most confident people are those who don't care about being liked by others. 2. Craft a pitch that you can deliver in 30 seconds. Most events have 100s if not thousands of people attending. So make each second count. Highlight + Who you are + What you do + How you can add value to them. 3. Offer, Don’t ask In my initial networking events, I was focused on how many leads I could get. Big Mistake. When I switched my mindset to what I can give and not gain, things changed. People remember those who help them. And they’re more likely to reciprocate in the future.

Top Tips for Effective Follow-Ups After Networking Events 🔗 Attending networking events is just the beginning. The real magic happens in the follow-up! Whether you're a buyer or a supplier, here are some tried-and-true tips to make your follow-ups more effective: Be Prompt ⏱️ Send your follow-up messages within 24-48 hours while the event is still fresh in everyone's mind. Personalise Your Message ✉️ Reference specific points from your conversation to show genuine interest and build a stronger connection. Add Value 💡 Share relevant insights, articles, or resources that could be beneficial to the person you're following up with. Set a Follow-Up Meeting 🗓️ Suggest a specific time for a follow-up meeting or call to keep the momentum going. Show Appreciation 🙏 Thank them for their time and the insights they shared. A little gratitude goes a long way. Remember, successful follow-ups can turn initial connections into valuable long-term relationships. Happy networking! 🤝

Networking events are goldmines for professional opportunities and connections. Here are 3 Key Strategies for Re-Engaging Your Networking Event Contacts if they are not responding to you: 1). Re-Evaluate Your Approach: Before sending another message, take a moment to review your initial outreach. Was your message personalized? Did it provide a clear reason for why you're reaching out? Tailoring your message, mentioning a shared experience from the event, or highlighting a mutual interest makes your follow-up stand out. 2). Utilize Different Platforms: If your initial attempt was via email, consider reaching out on LinkedIn or another professional platform (WhatsApp) where the contact is active. Remember, diversifying your approach shows effort and can often lead to a response. 3). And most importantly - Offer Value: Shift the focus of your communication from what you want to what you can offer. Whether it's sharing an article related to a topic you discussed, offering insights into a challenge they mentioned, or simply acknowledging their work, providing value can rekindle their interest in connecting with you.

Do you feel like, totally awkward in those networking events? Do you ever find yourself just standing in the corner while holding a drink, pretending to look busy? I know I have!! But don't worry, you're not alone. I've got a strategy that will help you navigate them with ease. Here's a little acronym I use: PAGE (Place, Activity, Goal, Exit). Let me walk you through it: ➜ 1. Place: Start by asking about the location. "Have you ever been to Vegas before?" It's a simple way to break the ice and get the conversation flowing. ➜ 2. Activity: Move on to activities. "Have you enjoyed any of the keynotes so far?" This keeps the conversation relevant and engaging. ➜ 3. Goal: Ask about their goals. "Do you have any goals for the week or are you just here for a good time?" This shows genuine interest and can lead to meaningful discussions. ➜ 4. Exit: Know when and how to exit gracefully. "Well if you'll excuse me, I have to go meet my coworker. But it was great to meet you Dave, I'll see you around." Bonus Tips: ➜ Be genuinely interested. ➜ Listen more than you talk. ➜ Don't be afraid to end the conversation when it's run its course. Remember, networking is about building connections, not just collecting business cards. You got this! PS: Follow for more tips on mastering the art of networking and building authentic connections.

True or false: Extroverts are better networkers. False! If you're an introvert, you possess networking superpowers you might not even realize. This article will equip you for your next networking event, helping you connect strategically and successfully with the people you need to reach. https://lnkd.in/dRn_VxB2