Q: As a new business owner, I know I need to get out and network. But sometimes I feel overwhelmed when I go to an event and see over 100 people walking around, many who seem to already know each other. How can I get more at ease for these events, have fun, and make some good contacts?
Networking is an art that can be mastered by both introverts and extraverts alike. As a matter of fact, introverts may actually have the advantage! While it may be easier for extraverts to jump into the fray, they may spend too much time talking about themselves and their own business, missing out on opportunities to listen and learn about others.
No matter what your personality type, there are specific steps you can take to improve your ability to navigate your next networking event.
Prepare
You wouldn’t go into battle wearing PJs, holding a wet noodle, right? So make sure you are properly armored for networking by wearing something that makes you feel terrific. For me, that’s flat shoes and a time-tested outfit, nothing new! Always make sure your business card holder is loaded, and that you have a mint on the way over.
Most important, I prepare mentally. Here’s my best networking secret – I focus on GIVING. Before each and every networking event, I say a little prayer in the car that I am going to be a blessing to whomever I meet. Sometimes that means a word of encouragement, a valuable referral or introduction, a favor, or just telling someone they have toilet paper stuck to their shoe.
Showtime
When I enter a room, I do a quick scan for the major landmarks – registration/name tags, food/snacks, bar/drinks. These are the areas where people tend to congregate and they are great places to strike up that first conversation. Always hit the name tags and write your first name in large, legible letters. Your last name and the name of your company can be written smaller, if at all. After all, that’s why you have business cards, right?
“Hi, I’m Jennie,” is the only ice breaker you really need. Most people who go to networking events are going to be happy to meet you and chat for a few minutes. To be interesting, be interested. Set aside any desire to make an immediate sale for your business and instead relax, socialize, and let your natural curiosity show as you ask questions about the other person. When asked about your own line of work, be enthusiastic and brief. If they want to know more, they’ll ask. If not, let the conversation turn back to them. At the right moment, exchange business cards, then move on – pleading hunger, thirst, or a need for the powder room.
Follow Up
You’re almost over the goal line, so don’t drop the ball! If you met someone boorish, feel free to toss their card into the round file. But for everyone else, a quick email saying that you enjoyed meeting them is de rigueur. I also like to use LinkedIn as a way to stay connected, so follow up with a social media invite, if that’s your thing. If you can allude to something that you discussed or include a link to an article they might enjoy, give yourself an A+!
To get your business featured in this column, please email your entrepreneurship, parenting, or work life balance questions to Charlotte executive coach Dr. Jennie Wong at Jennie.Wong@LimelightExecutiveCoaching.com.
You can also follow her on Twitter or like "Ask the Mompreneur" on Facebook.
