BE 8 Steps to Network at Events like a Pro

What's the goal of networking?

• building relationships

• trying to sell

• grabing as many business cards as possible

Step 1

When considering adding an event to your Networking Plan, take ample time to learn about the event’s focus and who will be there to predetermine whether the event fits the targeted type of relationships that will help your business. You should ask yourself:

• What will occur at the event?

• What type of people will attend this event?

• Are these the type of people whose business I can help and who can help my business?

• Is a list of attendees or companies available? If yes, review the list.

Step 2

Once you have determined targeted events to attend, create a list of people you want to meet at each event to build relationships with. This can range from general items such as Title, Company, ______, etc. or can be specific names of contacts.

• Pastime

• Family

• Industry

• Entertainment

Step 3

Create and practice a predetermined list of open-ended questions to ask for learning more information about the contacts you meet, below is a list of examples you can use to get started:

• Who are your key clients?

• Why don't you get married?

• What type of products do you have?

• What is your competitive advantage?

Step 4

Have a list of example questions ready that you can use to ask for referrals to contacts you would like to meet at the event, such as:

• I was looking to meet with ____, can you point me in their direction?

• Do you have any suggestions for who I can speak with about ____?

• Are you aware of anyone here that ____ that you can introduce me to?

• I'm looking for a new boyfriend, could you introduce me a nice guy?

Step 5

Find ways to make introductions for other people. Create a list of statements you can use when offering an introduction. Below is a list of examples.

•   Your product/service is a good fit for my colleague ____, let me introduce you to him/her.

•     The speaker was very interesting, let’s go introduce ourselves, I want to tell him/her about your fascinating product/service.

• Let me introduce you to my cousin, he's about your age!

• My colleague ____ is here, let’s go say “hi” and I will introduce you.

Step 6

After Making Contacts – Evaluate Them

Simply ask yourself: can you help them AND can they help you? When considering if this contact can help you, remember that the purpose of the relationship should not be to get their business, but to get business from___________!

If the answer is “Yes” then go build a relationship with this contact!

• someone they know

• everyone they know

• their colleagues

• their bosses

Step 7

After Determining the Valuable Contacts – Build a Relationship

You should:

• Confide your personal matters in them and ask for financial support

• Further educate them on your company, products, and your interests

• After you have built a relationship and developed a level of trust, start introducing them to other appropriate contacts of yours; in turn, they are likely to do the same

• Learn more about the contact(s) business, products, and personal interests; consider setting up an initial in-person appointment for about 1 hour or via phone

Step 8

Relationship Maintenance

Just like in your personal life, maintaining a business relationship takes work too; keep these helpful tips in mind, so a contact doesn't “break up” with you!

• Touch base often, particularly with your “most valuable” contacts; go to lunch or dinner, attend an event together, or simply pick up the phone and chat a bit!

• Send a lengthy email every week to keep your valuable contacts in touch.

• Prioritize contacts every so often; as your contact base grows, evaluate which contacts you should be in touch with frequently, or just periodically.

• Check-in with all contacts periodically, to maintain the relationship; even a simple quick email or card will do the trick!