You might have read the post about a recent call I received from Mary looking to connect and network with medical device professionals. The next day, we came across 21 Tips to Use at a Networking Event by Mark Hunter at The Sales Hunter website.
I’d like to share a couple of the tips from the article:
- Stop selling and start listening! When you meet someone for the first time, use it as an opportunity to get to know them. Don’t try to sell them anything. Rather, begin to establish a relationship.
- During the course of a conversation, use the other person’s first name two or three times. People always like to hear their own name and it will help you to remember it when the discussion is over.
- When you meet someone for the first time, you have 72 hours to follow up with them before they will completely forget about meeting you.
The article shares many other useful networking tips. Additionally, here are a few of my own:
- Pay it forward. Find out how you can help the person you are meeting. Try to make meaningful connections for them either at the event or when following up via email.
- In my experience, I’ve rarely met a potential client at a networking event. However, there have been many occasions when I’ve met another service provider who has a similar clientele interest. Try to seek complimentary connections out at networking events.
- Go to where the people are. Often times, the topics presented at networking events might be marginally interesting to me. But the event is not about me. I have to evaluate if the topic will bring a large crowd and attendees whom I am interested in meeting.