I am the assistant organizer of NY Entrepreneurs Business Network (http://nyebn.com). We host efficient networking events for our members, and such events typically take place on a very frequent basis. I’ve watched quite a few networkers over the last few months, some successful, some discouraged.
Networking is fun and should be something you look forward to. If you are going to attend an event like ours with hundreds of people attending, and engage in conversations with as many of these people as possible, you might as well enjoy yourself while doing it.
First, let’s look at some definitions of networking:
Mirriam Webster, date: 1967
1 : the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically : the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business
And a more up-to-date definition from Dictionary.com:
1. a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest.
Networking in the ‘60s might have meant finding people to sell to, but the concept has evolved to mean creating an infrastructure of people and relationships. If you go to our events with the idea of immediately finding customers for your business, you are going to be sadly disappointed.
Let’s start with the things you should do. Before you go to an event, do whatever you need to do with yourself, such as the correct tie, the perfect blouse, etc. so that you have no attention on yourself or your appearance.
When you arrive, do the following: don’t think about you; put all of your attention on the person you are talking to; repeat the above. If you really listen to the people who are talking to you and let them know it, then you can easily begin a relationship based on good communication.
Here are the things you should not do: put your attention on yourself and what you do; hard sell.
We’ve all endured the hard sell guys – the guys who are convinced that if they really got through to someone, that person would buy their service. Personally, I think of it as being accosted. If you try this technique you will find that not only will a sale not be made, but people will avoid talking to you from that point on.
How do you network? Walk up to someone, introduce yourself, ask what they do, request a card and move on. If someone should ask what you do, keep it short. Make notes if you want. If you connect with someone, enjoy the conversation. Otherwise, keep moving. It is as simple as that.
We all know that ultimately the reason you attend these events is to get new business. There are plenty of blogs and training sessions available to train you in exactly how to make that work. Now are you ready to have the finest networking experience? At NY Entrepreneurs Business Network, we always welcome newcomers that are eager to bond with other members. To check out our next event, simply go to our website and sign up as a group member. Then you can come fine tune your networking skills at the next big party in NYC.
