Mastering Networking Meetings

Many professional organizations and chambers of commerce will host networking meetings for people in similar industries to get out and meet others. For some small business owners these meetings can be intimidating, time-consuming (amongst all your other demands), and uncomfortable, since it may not be in your personality to be out meeting new people. Word-of-mouth and networking in-person are the most effective forms of marketing for a small business, so events like these can add to your chances of success. Use these quick guidelines to prepare for your networking meetings, and the opportunities that may come afterward.

Preparation

> Make sure you have enough business cards, you will be passing out quite a few.
> Bring something with you to put the business cards or brochures you get from other people in.
> Dress in a style appropriate for the setting and make sure you look your best.> It is important to be comfortable with your overall appearance and with the materials (cards, flyers, publications) you have to hand out. Your confidence, or lack thereof, will do a lot of the talking for you.
> Set a goal for the meeting of what you'd like to accomplish, how many new people you'd like to meet, how long you're going to stay, etc. Remain focused during the event so that you can achieve this goal.

At the Event

> Be available. It can be socially comfortable to find one person you connect with and talk to them for the whole event, but you need be approachable.
> Mention your business and its products or services casually but don't emphasize it too much. Networking meetings are set up for you to meet others and make new connections, not to use pressure tactics so they'll support your business.
> Make an effort to remember the names of the people you meet at the networking event. Also try to remember one other thing about them (who they work for, a service they provide, etc.) so that you can make genuine conversation if you meet them again.

Follow Up

> Follow up with the individuals that you connected with at the event in a timely manner. Common ways to follow up professionally would be to send an e-mail, write a personalized thank-you note, or to call (if appropriate).
> If you referred someone to another person, product, or place during the event, send some follow up communication with any pertinent links or information they might need.
> Keep in touch with your new connections. Make sure you are not solely trying to sell them on your business but that you are also looking for ways to help them.

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration: Networking