VELCRO Networking is NOT . . .

Networking!

I know you’ve never done this, but I plead Guilty!

You go to a social function, seminar, or networking event and arrive early with the intent of meeting a bunch of new people. Hopefully, some will be prospects for your products and services.

As soon as you enter the venue, you see a friend you haven’t seen in years. You walk up to them, extend your hand, and you both immediately start reminiscing and telling war stories to each other.

Shortly, an announcement blares, “Everyone take your seats, we’re ready to start our program.” You and your friend sit together at the same table.

There’s a break, and you both grab coffee and donuts and pick up your conversation where it had left off. The event ends and you go together to the parking lot, exchanging business cards as you walk, and pledge to “get together soon.”

Arriving home, you reach into your pocket to pull out the day’s “networking results” and. . . you have only your friend’s card. He is not a prospect. Bummer!

Spending the majority of your time at a “Networking Event” with one person is VELCRO Networking! Don’t Do It!

That is not the goal you should have had when deciding to go to this event. If you’re not networking: introducing yourself and letting people know what you offer, finding out what they do and who are their prospects, you’re just visiting!

Great Networking Requires a Great Plan. Then – Work It!

1. Find out who will be attending.

   1. Often, the event uses Meetup, Eventbrite, or other apps that display names, and sometimes companies, of people who have RSVPd for the event.

2. Decide who you want to meet and prioritize your list.

   1. Do some research on those people, and, if you think helpful, their company.

   2. LinkedIn, the company’s website, and Facebook are great places to go.

   3. Google their name. It is amazing the information available.

   4. Look for something you have in common that might be a “conversation starter.”

      1. Perhaps you went to the same school or have common hobby or business interests.

   5. Dig deep in your research and find people who will be attending, you know, who might introduce you to the people you want to meet.

      1. That common friend, when being introduced, can be priceless!

3. Discover who are Connectors. 

   1. There are people who know everyone!

      1. You’ve seen them. They walk into a room and immediately are shaking hands, patting people on the back, and making introductions.

      2. They may be the organizer of the event, or of similar functions.

      3. It’s their business to know people; who they are, what they do, what they are looking for and other ‘vitals.’

         1. It’s in their DNA to be that person who knows the person you want to meet and loves making connections.

   2. Find out who the Connectors are, and Meet them!

4. Have a great One-on-One Elevator Speech that succinctly tells, with clarity, who you are and what you do.

   1. Be certain it can quickly DIS-Qualify people.

5. Everyone is not a prospect for your products and services.

   1. You are not a potential purchaser of everything presented to you.

6. No Selling!

   1. Selling, if it is to occur, will be after there is a conversation.

7. Be a Go-Giver!

   1. Make connections for others!

   2. Don’t check the attendee list just for what benefits you; check it for introductions you can make for others who will be there.

   3. It’s the ‘Law of Reciprocity.’ 

      1. Your helpfulness to others will come back to you, perhaps not from the person you’re helping, but from those who understand that philosophy.

Develop a Plan for Networking, including the above advice, and I guarantee the next networking event you attend will be highly successful and absolutely, positively – NO SWEAT!

———————————————————————————————————————————————————

About the Author Fred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books, “NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”

Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations hire him because they want to improve their Networking, Public Speaking, andPresentation Skills.

They do this because they know:"Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities."

They also know:We perceive really great speakers to be Experts. We like to work with Experts.

He shows them how to: Develop, Practice, and Deliver Fantastic Presentations! with – NO SWEAT!

Services:

1. Keynote Speaker

2. Workshop Facilitator

3. Breakout Sessions

4. Personal and Group Public Speaking and Presentation Coaching

Topics:

1. Lessening The Fear of Public Speaking with – NO SWEAT!

2. Crafting Your Elevator Speech, Floor by Floor with – NO SWEAT!

3. Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.

4. We are All Self-Employed!

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, Podcast Channel, and connect with me on LinkedIn and Facebook.

My books can be purchased on amazon.com. “NO SWEAT Public Speaking” “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”

Audible offers “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!” as an audio book.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about this post or other posts please contact me: Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com.

Thank  you for your continued support. It is greatly appreciated!