Since I was recently at the Proctor Gallagher Matrixx Event, networking with many people from all over the world, I thought I would share some of my best tips to help you network when at a live event.
This is something that often strikes fear into people’s hearts. The thought of meeting new people – strangers – can be terrifying. I know – I used to faint – literally faint, when I had to speak in front of people I didn’t know …even people I did know!
So how does a socially anxious person do this? Here are my top tips to help you network at your next Live Event.
- Set a Goal. When you attend an event, you do go with a purpose of meeting people and potential clients. Set a goal of how many people you want to talk to. This helps force you into making that initial step of saying hello.
- Be yourself. No one will ever get to know YOU if you are not the person they meet. Don’t try to be someone you are not – just be yourself. Be genuine.
- Be Clear on YOU. The more specific you can be about what you do and how you help people, as well as how others can help you (should they ask), the more effective your time. They will leave clearly understanding what you are about and what kind of clients you are looking for.
- Record Notes. When you ask for someone’s business card, write on the back a couple notes about your conversation to help you remember them later. This allows you to be very specific in your follow-up contact.
- Be engaged. Pay attention when the other person is talking. Maintain eye contact. These small cues go a long way towards making them feel like you care, which helps you to build a rapport.
So, before you head to your next live event, try making a goal and plan first on what you will do … make it worth your while!
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