Marketing 202: Networking Skills
Marketing 202: Networking Skills
http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/967/Marketing-201-Networking-Goals.html ])
You now know your goal for attending an event. If you're naturally outgoing, then you're well on your way. But what if you're shy? Nervous? Insecure? Not a "people-person"?
I never considered myself good at social events until I realized that socializing is a skill that can be authentically learned. You don't have to fake a personality to succeed, and in fact the only way you can get good at socializing is to develop your strengths. There are some people who are naturally magnetic. If you don't know your social strengths, ask your friends for their honest evaluation.
Here are some of my networking skill tips:
1. Count Quality, Not Quantity. Some people I know go to events to collect other people's business cards. They judge their success by how thick their card stack is. How often have you had someone come up to you, hand you their card and say, "Use my services!", then they repeat this with everyone they see? Rather than playing the "numbers game", spend time getting to know people in-depth.
2. Be More Interested In Them. People love talking about themselves. Ask people what they do. Why do they do this job? What's in it for them? Where's their passion for their job? I personally love hearing about people's passion - whatever it is.
3. Avoid The Common Questions. "What do you do?" is the common first question people ask. People need to get their elevator speech off their chest. Let them. Pay attention. Then ask a question that you ARE interested in. Why? How long? What did you do before?
4. Talk in Specifics. Don't talk about the weather.
5. Reveal Something About Yourself. You build trust by sharing something about yourself.
6. Find Commonality. If nothing else, you're both at the same event. Why? Anything you both witnessed?
7. Thank You. A single interaction doesn't build relationship. Send a "nice meeting you" email. Even better, a hand-written note.
8. Reconnect. When you see someone you met before (even if you don't remember their name), say, "Hi". People like to be recognized.
9. Remember Why Are People At The Event. People go to networking events to network. That means that you can potentially go up to anyone at an event and say, "Hi". Introduce yourself.
10. Look For Other People Not Talking To Anyone. Inserting yourself in someone else's conversation can be awkward. People are often relieved to have someone talk to them.
11. It's Networking, Not Dating. Don't take it personally.
12. It's Networking, Not Dating. Keep your goals professional. If you're at an event to get a date, it'll confuse the person you're talking with. Are you interested in them or their business?
13. Dress Nicer Than You Normally Do. You'll feel better about yourself. When you feel better, it's easier to be friendly.
14. Play The Host. Even if it's the first time at this sort of event, welcome people. Look them in the eye. Ask them how you can they help. Pass along some tip (the bathrooms are around the corner). Introduce people to each other.
15. Help The Host. Introduce yourself to the host. Tell them why you're at the event, tell them that who you'd like to meet and why. By being open to introductions, you make the host's job easier.
15. Pay Attention To Your Energy. You don't have to be networking all the time. Allow yourself some quiet time. Look around the room. Grab something (small) to eat.
16. Be Careful About Alcohol. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Alcohol may cloud your professional judgment or cause your tongue to slip.
17. Make Eye Contact. Make sure to give the person you're talking with your complete attention. Besides being polite, it'll relax the both of you - since they know you're "there".
18. Smile. Happy looking people are more approachable.
19. Don't Take It Personally. Social events can be stressful. Some events are better for you than others.
20. Practice. Think of networking like dating. When you first started dating, you might have been quite awkward. Instead of trying to make the event be a huge success for you, simply try to improve your technique.
The key thing is to be authentic. People can spot fakes easily. Find (or develop) some social skills and get really good at them. You might even find yourself looking forward to attending more networking events.
How do you keep track of your network? One free software solution is Highrise (http://www.highrisehq.com/)
Marketing 202 Networking Skills - To learn more about this author, visit Jay Hamilton-Roth's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
(Prerequisite: Marketing 201: Networking Goals
http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/967/Marketing-201-Networking-Goals.html ])
You now know your goal for attending an event. If you're naturally outgoing, then you're well on your way. But what if you're shy? Nervous? Insecure? Not a "people-person"?
I never considered myself good at social events until I realized that socializing is a skill that can be authentically learned. You don't have to fake a personality to succeed, and in fact the only way you can get good at socializing is to develop your strengths. There are some people who are naturally magnetic. If you don't know your social strengths, ask your friends for their honest evaluation.
Here are some of my networking skill tips:
1. Count Quality, Not Quantity. Some people I know go to events to collect other people's business cards. They judge their success by how thick their card stack is. How often have you had someone come up to you, hand you their card and say, "Use my services!", then they repeat this with everyone they see? Rather than playing the "numbers game", spend time getting to know people in-depth.
2. Be More Interested In Them. People love talking about themselves. Ask people what they do. Why do they do this job? What's in it for them? Where's their passion for their job? I personally love hearing about people's passion - whatever it is.
3. Avoid The Common Questions. "What do you do?" is the common first question people ask. People need to get their elevator speech off their chest. Let them. Pay attention. Then ask a question that you ARE interested in. Why? How long? What did you do before?
4. Talk in Specifics. Don't talk about the weather.
5. Reveal Something About Yourself. You build trust by sharing something about yourself.
6. Find Commonality. If nothing else, you're both at the same event. Why? Anything you both witnessed?
7. Thank You. A single interaction doesn't build relationship. Send a "nice meeting you" email. Even better, a hand-written note.
8. Reconnect. When you see someone you met before (even if you don't remember their name), say, "Hi". People like to be recognized.
9. Remember Why Are People At The Event. People go to networking events to network. That means that you can potentially go up to anyone at an event and say, "Hi". Introduce yourself.
10. Look For Other People Not Talking To Anyone. Inserting yourself in someone else's conversation can be awkward. People are often relieved to have someone talk to them.
11. It's Networking, Not Dating. Don't take it personally.
12. It's Networking, Not Dating. Keep your goals professional. If you're at an event to get a date, it'll confuse the person you're talking with. Are you interested in them or their business?
13. Dress Nicer Than You Normally Do. You'll feel better about yourself. When you feel better, it's easier to be friendly.
14. Play The Host. Even if it's the first time at this sort of event, welcome people. Look them in the eye. Ask them how you can they help. Pass along some tip (the bathrooms are around the corner). Introduce people to each other.
15. Help The Host. Introduce yourself to the host. Tell them why you're at the event, tell them that who you'd like to meet and why. By being open to introductions, you make the host's job easier.
15. Pay Attention To Your Energy. You don't have to be networking all the time. Allow yourself some quiet time. Look around the room. Grab something (small) to eat.
16. Be Careful About Alcohol. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Alcohol may cloud your professional judgment or cause your tongue to slip.
17. Make Eye Contact. Make sure to give the person you're talking with your complete attention. Besides being polite, it'll relax the both of you - since they know you're "there".
18. Smile. Happy looking people are more approachable.
19. Don't Take It Personally. Social events can be stressful. Some events are better for you than others.
20. Practice. Think of networking like dating. When you first started dating, you might have been quite awkward. Instead of trying to make the event be a huge success for you, simply try to improve your technique.
The key thing is to be authentic. People can spot fakes easily. Find (or develop) some social skills and get really good at them. You might even find yourself looking forward to attending more networking events.
How do you keep track of your network? One free software solution is Highrise (http://www.highrisehq.com/)
Marketing 202 Networking Skills - To learn more about this author, visit Jay Hamilton-Roth's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
 | |
 |
No article feedback found. |
| |
Leave Your Feedback |
 | |
| |||
Anne BarrAnne Barr has over 26 years experience in sales and marketing, six years as a franchisee. She has assisted over 367 business owners and purchasers to achieve their goals in career change, transition and exit strategy. She holds the designation of Certified Franchise Executive from the International Franchise Association, Certified Business Intermediary from the International Business Brokers Association and Board Certified Broker from the Texas Association of Business Brokers. Anne is active in professional organizations, networking groups and volunteers for non-profit entities. As owner/operator of four successful businesses, Anne has proven people skills and enjoys helping clients find the right "fit" in business ownership. Visit www.FranchiseOpportunitySpecialist.com for more information about me and my company. - Visit Anne Barr's Website |
|||
David AchesonDavid Acheson is the founder of DCJA Consultancy. DCJA Consultancy is a management consultancy business specialising in B2B sales consultancy. They offer bespoke and packaged sales consultancy including Sales Optimisation Review, Interim Sales Management, Sales & Marketing Review, 1:1 Sales & Management Staff Analysis, Management Training, Solution Sales Training, Creation of New Pay Plan, KPI's, run Customer Feedback Campaigns, assist with Recruitment, Coaching, Appraisals and set up Strategic Marketing Campaigns. David spent his early career in accountancy and then moved into sales in 1982, working in Office Equipment, IT, Advertising, Training, Outsourcing and Consultancy. He has held many Senior Positions in SMBs and Global Organisations including Head of Sales Operations & Head of Business Development. His knowledge, skills and great experience of the Sales Industry has led to David making keynote speeches and running educational sessions to key businesses through organisations including The Chamber of Commerce and Business Link. - Visit David Acheson's Website |
|||
John AlexanderJohn has taught keyword research and SEO skills to small groups of business owners and Webmasters from over 80 different countries world wide since 2002. John is also the Director of Search Engine Academy ; Co-director of Training at Search Engine Workshops offering live, SEO Workshops with his partner SEO educator Robin Nobles, author of the very first comprehensive online search engine marketing courses at SEO Training Online and the SEO Workshop Resource Center. I look forward to hearing from you! - Visit John Alexander's Website |
|||
John PowerJohn Power, founder of Biltmore Franchise Consulting, has extensive experience developing and marketing franchises and business opportunities. He has been in and around franchising for over twenty years. From 1980 through 1990 he conceptualized, organized, and developed the American Video Association. He grew AVA to 2,000 national members, before selling the company it 1990. It was later merged into another home video marketing company. From 2000 to 2005 he worked as a contract marketing and human resources consultant to several local and national companies. In 2005 Mr. Power began working as a franchise development consultant on a full-time basis. Since that time he has helped more than three dozen companies initiate and develop their franchising program. He notes that there are many companies interested in developing a franchise program, and who need his specialized assistance. Mr. Power is a “hands-on” franchise consultant. He said, “I am the ‘nuts and bolts’ person who tends to the details for my clients.” Mr. Power holds a B.S. degree with a major in Marketing. See: www.biltmorefranchise.com You may contact Mr. Power at: jpower@biltmorefranchise.co - Visit John Power's Website |
|||
Cheryl MatthynssensCheryl is a life skills coach, licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and a 20 year entrepreneur. Cheryl's dedication to achieving a life of balance led to her expanding her teaching from the simple managing of life's daily challenges to adding financial well being as well. A direct marketer with DrinkACT, she is gaining ground in the online community with her concepts of making sure business owners, entreprenuers and employees have well rounded life styles. She opened up a small affiliate site - The Balance Guide- to help others find resources for mental and emotional well being. Visit Cheryl's blog to see more of the diversity beyond business she has began offering online at www.thebalanceguide.blogspot.com - Visit Cheryl Matthynssens's Website |
|||
Dave KurlanDave Kurlan is the founder and CEO of Objective Management Group, Inc., the industry leader in sales assessments and sales force evaluations, and the CEO of David Kurlan & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in sales force development. Dave has been a top rated speaker at Inc. Magazine's Conference on Growing the Company, the Sales & Marketing Management Conference and the Gazelles Sales & Marketing Summit. He has been featured on radio and TV, including World Business Review with General Norman Schwarzkopf, in Inc. Magazine, Selling Power Magazine, Sales & Marketing Management Magazine and Incentive Magazine. He is the author of Mindless Selling and Baseline Selling – How to Become a Sales Superstar by Using What You Already Know about the Game of Baseball. He created and wrote STAR, a proprietary recruiting process for hiring great salespeople, and he writes Understanding the Sales Force, a popular business Blog and is a contributing author to The Death of 20th Century Selling and 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Volume 2. - Visit Dave Kurlan's Website |
|||
Jeff FosterWebBizIdeas.com is a Minneapolis website design company founded to help people start an internet business by providing them with website, business, and internet resources that help foster the growth of successful online businesses and develop innovative Internet business ideas. We specialize in internet consulting & internet marketing. - Visit Jeff Foster's Website |
|||
Stephanie RobeyStephanie Robey is President and CoFounder of Pivot Positive, LLC - an Internet marketing business focused on helping people start work at home ventures. Previously, she was employed at The Search Agency with over 20 years experience in graphic design and 10 years experience in online marketing. She was responsible for launching the Conversion Path Optimization (CPO) unit where she and her team have conducted hundreds of optimization tests for online companies across multiple verticals. She is a successful entrepreneur having started and sold 2 companies and remains on the board of directors of the third, PhotoSpin.com Stephanie began her career in the direct marketing realm creating and producing direct mail for many of the major cable television companies and directly attributes her understanding of Internet marketing to those early offline experiences. Stephanie is a graduate of San Diego State University with a BFA in Graphic Arts and also holds an Executive MBA from the Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University. Read Steph's Blog Meet Steph and Dave Sign up for our Free 7-Day BootCamp: Self Employed & Rich - Visit Stephanie Robey's Website |
|||
|
To learn more about the Evan Elite Author Program please contact us. | |||
 | |
|  |
Subscribe to Jay's articles
 | |
|
|  |
 | |
|
| |
 | |||||||
|
 | ||
|
||
 |
||
|
||
|
| ||
 |
| Have you written articles that would be of value to entrepreneurs? Become an expert on our site by publishing them! Expose yourself to a wide audience, drive more traffic to your website and get more sales! Click Here for details. |
|
|
 |
| Modeling the Masters: Learn the true secrets behind Walt Disney's business success factors & grow your company! Video produced by Phanta Media |
|
|
 |
"Learn straight from Evan how you can Make a Full Time Income (And More) from a Website"
Click Here To Learn More |
|
|
|
|
Get advice & tips from famous business owners, new articles by entrepreneur experts, my latest website updates, & special sneak peaks at what's to come!
|
|
|
 Venture Capital Guide Content Challenged DCJA Consultancy Case Study Ezine Choices Instant Flyers |
|
 | ||
 |
More PR Resources
Press Release Builder | |
 |
Top 50 Geek Business Blogs
Top 50 Geek Business Blogs | |
| ||
 | ||||
| ||||
|
| ||||
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
Email us your ideas on how to make our website more valuable! Thank you Sharon from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for your suggestions to make the newsletter look like the website and profile younger entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez and Sean Combs!
|
|
|
