Networking with Intentionality
Networking is more than just arriving to an event, loaded with cards and materials to promote you and your business and hoping for the best. There is a strategy involved.
1. What is your goal for this event? I often “declare” how many new connections I will make today before I attend an event. This sets my mind on the task at hand. To develop a new connection and build my SOCIAL CAPITAL. Social Capital is that relationship that you will develop over time with this connection that will provide you with expertise, financial gain, and allow you to give back to those in your community.
2. Are you Open to New Possibilities? Be sure to listen more than you speak and truly get to know those whom you are networking with. You may discover that an unlikely source or business owner becomes your best alliance for the future. Don’t discount them just because they are not in your industry.
3. Remember those cards and brochures? Have a few with you, but don’t pull them out until they ask you for one. Be sure to ask for their card when you make a great connection. I write a connection I made with that person on the back of their business cards. It may be trendy and “GREEN” to use digital business cards, however, a printed business card tells you a lot about a person and allows for a more visual connection. Put your phone away so you may truly be in the moment with your new partners.
4. Speed Dating? Think of this as a chance to make as many connections in a short time as possible. The real work begins after the event. Be sure to limit your time with one person during the event. You don’t want them to feel smothered and not get to talk with all of their connections too.
5. After Hours? Go the extra mile in writing a hand written note to each person you met. Few of us receive physical mail, these days and it makes a connection point in a way that an email or text cannot. You ask is it worth the extra when no one does this anymore? I think I just answered your question. Do you want to stand out from the crowd? If your answer is yes, then hand write the note and postal mail it.
6. Shall we meet again? If you connected in a powerful way with those whom you met, do some research online. Visit their business and get to know more about them. Set another Lunch or Coffee to continue your initial conversation.
As you can see, networking is a little more than just being visible to your fellow business owners. Network with Intentionality the next time you attend an event.
