Just off our most recent LIVE networking event in Sarasota. First time hosting a LIVE event there! We sold out the room! Progress continues!
Thank you to Isaiah Leslie and Regal Court Reporting, Inc. for your active participation and for being our sponsor!
Our next LIVE networking events are in NYC on September 15, Atlanta on October 20, and back in Sarasota on November 18th (bring your black tie!).
All our TNG events have a process whether we host them ONLINE or LIVE. The process includes assigned seating, strategic table group discussions, a “vetted” room, champagne, high energy, and fun!
Here are 4 big-time approaches you may want to keep in mind when attending your next networking event, cocktail party, holiday function, conference, mixer.
PREPARATION
Who will be there? Why will they be there? What is your purpose? Who do you want to meet and why? How are you going to introduce yourself? Start conversations? End conversations? Talk about yourself? Talk about others? Is there a current event that can be the basis of discussion? (World Cup, March Madness – doesn’t have to be sports related.) Also, can you contact organizers ahead of time? Schedule meetings with fellow attendees before the event? Set up other meetings since you’ll be “in the area”?
PRESENTATION
What will you wear? (I like to dress slightly better than what might be expected as appropriate.) Have your introduction ready to go. Your elevator “speech” should be short, sweet, specific, and sound spontaneous – as in non-scripted. (Hey, that’s a lot of S words!) A cool strategy is when you arrive and check in at the registration table, mention who you are, why you’re there, and ask who you should speak with as a result. If you ask for an introduction, you just might get it! Don’t be afraid to politely end conversations that don’t seem meaningful (good rapport and possible client, referral source, friend). If your conversations ARE meaningful, exchange contact info and offer to follow up to continue the dialogue.
FOLLOW UP
Plan to follow up with the most important people you met at the gig. You don’t have to follow up with everyone! Just the people that you can help, can help you, and of course best if you can help one another! Use the 24-hour rule – mention that you’ll circle back with them over the next day to coordinate another time to meet. Make sure the feeling is mutual! Then, take ownership of following up, getting the meeting scheduled, and if online setting it up. Without follow up, nothing else happens!
MAINTENANCE
What will your staying in touch strategy be? The best approach is to simply ask, “What might be the best way for us to stay in touch and continue our dialogue? Of course, targeted lists are always helpful for staying connected. Prospect lists, client lists, past client lists, referral partner lists, and industry influencer lists are some of my favorites!
Remember, at the most basic level, simply focus on learning, helping, having fun, and making at least one friend. Nobody can prevent you from doing any of this! And the 4 approaches mentioned above (a lot I know!) will help you accomplish all of it!
