Are you heading to a networking event and looking to close more sales or deals?
Connecting with the right people, understanding the environment, and having an effective strategy are all crucial elements of successfully closing sales at a networking event.
I have been there. I remember being in a networking event all scared and with no charisma.
Some of my latest clients came from a networking event. Networking events are a powerful tool, and we need to maximize the value we get from them.
Knowing how to present yourself and your products in the best light is critical, as well as being aware of best practices for navigating conversations and making lasting connections.
After thinking of my networking events, I did my best to come up with tips and tricks on how you can make the most out of your next networking opportunity.
You should also have an elevator pitch ready – a concise summary of who you are, what you do, and what value you bring. Anyways I did my best to create a list of the top tips and tricks for networking for you to close more deals and sales.
Make a Good First Impression
When meeting someone new, making an excellent first impression is essential. Be sure to dress professionally, make eye contact, and smile.
You want the other person to feel like you are someone they can trust and that they can do business with you.
You can also use many physiological tricks to make a good impression, such as mirroring the body language of the person you are talking to; this will help you create rapport.
Listen More Than You Talk
In any conversation, it is crucial to listen more than you talk.
Listening to people will show that you are interested in what they have to say and consider their needs.
When you speak, add value to the conversation by sharing your insights and ideas. My mother once told me that we have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen twice as much as we talk. Listening properly will help ensure that both of you are on the same page and understand each other better.
Taking time to think before responding also ensures that you are fully prepared with your answer rather than quickly reacting to what was said.
Listening demonstrates respect for the speaker and shows that you are genuinely interested in what they say. In any conversation, asking questions and being responsive are also essential.
In addition to taking the time to listen, being present in the conversation is also essential. In other words, be mindful of your body language and facial expressions. Being attentive to these changes can help you better connect with the person talking and show that you are genuinely interested in what they have to say.
Another critical factor is tone, which can change a conversation’s meaning or feelings. When speaking, use a calm and engaging voice to help ensure that the conversation is productive and healthy.
Finally, being respectful of the other person in any conversation is essential. Respect can look like listening without judgment or interruption, keeping an open mind, and being conscious of your language.
Follow Up After Meeting Someone New
After meeting someone new, be sure to follow up with them. You can send them an email or LinkedIn message, connect with a digital business card, etc
Remember something specific that you talked about in your message so that they remember who you are. Additionally, offer to help them with their current projects or interests. People appreciate when others are willing to lend a helping hand, so don’t hesitate to ask how you can assist.
Finally, make sure to stay in touch by periodically sending follow-up emails.
Introduce yourself to someone new every few minutes.
Even if it’s a simple “Hi, I’m ____,” - the more people you meet, the better. Don’t be afraid to reach out and make meaningful connections; this is how you create relationships that can help you in the future. When talking with someone new, ask them questions about their background, interests, values, and goals.
Show genuine interest in their answers, and follow up with them if you think they can help you.
Remember, networking is all about making meaningful connections and building relationships. So take the time to get to know people and let each conversation evolve naturally. Good luck!
Have some conversation starters ready.
Think of some topics ahead, so you don’t get stuck in awkward silence. Ask open-ended questions like “What brings you here?” or “What have you been working on lately?” These great conversation starters can help get the ball rolling and lead to a deeper conversation.
Also, again don’t forget to be a good listener! I want to reinforce again that you must listen to what people are saying and show genuine interest in them. Be friendly, curious, and open-minded to make meaningful connections with new people.
Above all else, be yourself! Don’t force anything—be authentic and honest in your conversations, and don’t be afraid to share a bit about yourself.
Here are some ideas for question at a networking event:
- What made you pursue your career path?
- What do you enjoy about your job?
- Where did you go to school, and what did you study there?
- Can you tell me about a project you’re particularly proud of yourself in?
- What do future goals or plans look like
Create an action plan for following up after the event.
Once you’ve made new contacts, it’s essential to follow up. After attending an event or meeting, someone set a reminder to send a quick email thanking them for their time and introducing themselves further (if you didn’t get the chance to do so at the event).
A plan helps ensure you stay top-of-mind and creates opportunities for future conversations. You can also offer to meet up again or connect in other ways (i.e., via social media).
Finally, don’t forget to stay in touch with your new connections—send updates on your progress as you continue networking and striving towards your goals; at least for me, the way to do this is with a digital business card such as Popl.
Host Your Event
Host your networking event if you’re looking for a way to stand out from the crowd! Your event could be something as simple as a happy hour at a local bar or restaurant or a more formal event such as a lunch seminar or workshop.
By hosting your event, you will have the opportunity to meet new people in a relaxed setting while also promoting your business or brand.
Hosting a successful networking event requires thoughtful planning and preparation, but the rewards can be immense for attendees and event organizers. Here are some tips on how to make sure your next event goes off without a hitch:
Speak at Local Events
If you’re looking for another way to stand out from the crowd, consider speaking at local events!
Speaking could include giving a presentation at a local conference or leading a workshop at a community center.
Speaking at events is an excellent way to share your expertise while making valuable connections with potential clients or customers.
Networking is essential for anyone looking to advance their career or business. By introducing yourself to new people, asking questions, and following up after the event, you can create meaningful connections that will help you in the long run.
By utilizing these tips, you can make the most out of every networking event and increase your chances of closing more deals.
It’s important to remember that networking effectively is a skill that takes practice and patience to build strong relationships with those who may be beneficial to your projects or career path.
Don’t let fear stand in the way of putting yourself out there. With thoughtful preparation and communication, you can be sure to make an impression at every single event!
How to Host a Successful Networking Event
Hosting a successful networking event requires thoughtful planning and preparation, but the rewards can be immense for attendees and event organizers. Here are some tips on ensuring your next event goes off without a hitch.
Tips on Hosting a Successful Networking Event
- Make the Event Attractive:
- Set a Comfortable Venue:
- Call in Favors:
- Outline Your Agenda:
- Prepare for Follow-up:
Wrapping Up
By utilizing these tips, you can make the most out of every networking event and increase your chances of closing more deals.
It’s important to remember that networking effectively is a skill that takes practice and patience to build strong relationships with those who may be beneficial to your projects or career path.
Don’t let fear stand in the way of putting yourself out there. With thoughtful preparation and communication, you can be sure to make an impression at every single event!