DAY 64 - NETWORKING MATTERS – PART II
I hope you’re following along as we countdown the final 100 days of 2022 - you can join us anytime. Learn more about the program HERE.
As we continue the series on networking, today we’re going to focus on in-person networking events.
With most people returning to in-person events, and the holidays sneaking up, opportunities to network will most likely be far greater now than the last couple of years. If your business depends on making or enhancing connections, or you are looking to make a job change, networking is a must.
There was a time when I dreaded a networking event. While I don’t have a problem meeting new people, starting a conversation, or even public speaking, networking events were not my favorite thing. I especially disliked going to them alone. I always worried that I wouldn’t connect with anyone, or I’d run out of things to say. It never happened, but I feared it would. So here are a few things to consider about networking events:
Just go! While it might feel easy to back out at the last minute, don’t. Even if you attended for the first half, it builds your confidence and you’ll be happy you did. When I would find myself leaning towards the “bail-out” direction, I would imagine that someone else would meet the one, important person I was supposed to connect with. Like they say…FOMO – fear of missing out!
Practice. If you struggle with how to start a conversation with someone new, practice your “elevator pitch.” Elevator pitches are the phrases you would use to describe your business or profession if you only had enough time between floors on an elevator.
Write out how you best describe your business.
Keep your pitch precise.
Practice in front of the mirror, with a friend, and always when you’re driving to the event. Until you perfect it, practice.
It’s about them, not you. The person you meet needs to see why they should invest time in talking with you.
During the pitch, stay away from your title, position, degrees, etc. That’s filler. You can add that later if asked.
Example #1: Hello, my name is Sarah and I’m a junior vice president of business development for the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions of Acme Office Designs. I’m responsible for the sales teams that …Ding…the elevator door opened already!
Conclusion: Sarah didn’t have the time to get to what her company specifically does, explain they are a national company, or even what business segment Acme serves. The things important to the person she’s speaking with.
Example#2: Hello, I’m Sarah, my organization provides efficient & cost-effective solutions for office design challenges and new build-outs. We serve companies on a national basis, specializing in manufacturing segments.
In example #2, the other person now has a good idea of what Acme is about and can then ask great questions.
Don’t just name-drop. I definitely don’t want to offend, but people who excessively name-drop feel phony. Or worse, come across as if they have nothing of value to add. Dropping names feels like they are trying to sound important. While it’s certainly okay to ask, “do you know Sam Smith over at XYZ Bank?”, it should be in the context of the conversation versus trying to make tally marks in your column to see who knows more people. Keep it in the context of the conversation and you’ll be fine!
