Networking Tips: Connect with the Business Specialist
Networking isn’t just about attending events. It’s also about attending meetings, making strategic connections, and growing your networks. Likewise, relationship building and planning are key components to successful networking. Networking can be a critical piece in business development. Being able to find the right contacts and promote your agenda can generate a wealth of opportunities.
Here are some tips for having effective conversations with business specialists.
Step one
Whether you are meeting a business specialist at a conference, meeting, mixer, or other function, make sure you are properly prepared. Have a dynamic elevator pitch that concisely highlights your company, capabilities, target audience, and value proposition. Bring up-to-date marketing materials, such as business cards, brochures, postcards, and other useful information with you. Steer the conversation in the sense of offering information rather than selling a product or service. In the process, listen carefully, pay attention, and show respect. These types of non-verbal communication cues can build your brand and rapport with the other person.
Second step
Once you’ve established a connection and scheduled your meeting, it’s imperative to do your due diligence. Make sure that all your information, materials and Internet presence are aligned, correct and up to date. Feel free to reach out by email or phone to remind your counterpart of the session 1 or 2 days in advance. Be available to correspond before the meeting and update your counterpart on any changes to the meeting. Always arrive a few minutes early in the event that you meet outside of your location.
Step three
Use the meeting as an opportunity to show professionalism and competence. Lead with confidence and stick to the duration of the scheduled meeting. Share presentations, demos, resources, etc. and create a platform for doing business. Follow up and offer to have another follow-up meeting or to come up with new ideas or content. As always, thank the business specialist for their time and follow up in a timely manner.
Use these tips to improve your networking skills. By connecting with these types of people, you can advance your endeavors and achieve good success.