Last week, I went to the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast. The meeting was great! People were friendly, and actually quite interesting. I met some cool business people – mobile computer services , a health insurance guy, a wild animal photographer , and this other woman. I remember that I liked her and thought we might have potential for working together. She did something … interesting. But I can’t remember what. Know why? SHE DIDN’T BRING HER BUSINESS CARDS. Ok, seriously? It’s a NETWORKING event. Even if you don’t brush your teeth that morning, at the bare minimum you should bring your business cards. (Though, you should totally brush your teeth.)
What’s the purpose of attending a networking event if you’re not going to network? The point of these meetings isn’t having breakfast. The point is to make connections. Whether the event is centered on meeting other people in your industry or to recruit new clientele, if you’re taking the time out of your certainly busy day, you should make the most of it. The event organizers put a lot of time and effort into creating the right atmosphere, the right guest list, and the right programming to facilitate networking. So, follow their lead and do your own prep-work to take full advantage of the prospects they’ve laid out for you.
1. Define Your Goals
Are you looking to make a sale? Meet like-minded people? Knowing why you want to attend a networking event will dictate how to prepare.
2. Gather Your Materials
Now that you know why you’re going, figure out what you’ll need while you’re there. As I mentioned, business cards are a must. In addition you should take a notebook and pen (one that works) for taking notes. Make sure your calendar is up-to-date and have access to it so you can make appointments on the spot. If your calendar is on your Blackberry, make sure it’s fully charged.
3. Prepare Your Presentation
You may not be an official speaker at the event, but you are responsible for a presentation. Each person you meet will be a chance to make a lasting impression on a potential client or associate. Make a mental list of key points you want to make about your business.
4. Dress Appropriately
This should be a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning. Make sure your attire is professional, no matter what the invitation requests. Not all networking meetings require a suit, but “dress casually,” should never mean, “wear cut-offs and flip-flops.”
5. Follow Up
Great interactions and piles of business cards are worthless if you don’t continue the conversation. Follow up with the contacts you make and try to make appointments within the first week after the event.
It’s really simple. Networking events are for networking. Showing up unprepared, like our friend without business cards, is no different than skipping the event altogether. Take the time to prepare so that you get the most out of your networking meeting. Order extra business cards and organize your calendar before you go. Be engaging and purposeful during the meeting and pursue your leads once the meeting is over.
You say you’re having a hard enough time finding space in your schedule for the meeting, much less accomplishing the preparation and follow up necessary? Hmm … maybe you could use a VA.