Do you remember your last networking event? On their faces, all events look same, and so do the crowds attending them, but what we normally fail to observe is the distinct modus operandi that disconnects seasoned networkers from laggards.
Let’s try to reflect upon the differences from the start of the event. They all normally begin with introductions followed by planned activities. Ordinarily, as the keynote presentations end, most people spread out in small groups or get busy with their tablets, phablets, or phones, randomly adding contact info with their contact management apps; or they simply flock around refreshments and catch up with those standing nearby. Where do you find yourself at this moment?
Amazingly, focused networking activities at this juncture can be a real game changer, but you must be prepared well in advance as the available time is limited – the event will be over before you even realize. So, the best way is to start by preparing for a given event as soon as you get an invite.
Do the Necessary Groundwork
You have an event invitation – now look at it meticulously. Look at the facts – check the event type, the organizers, the number of people attending the event, past events, and most importantly – what’s in it for you? Go through the speakers’ profile; understand the kind of audience that’s likely to attend the event, and ascertain the best way and time to identify and approach the prospects. Additionally, prepare a concise yet crisp elevator pitch with clear goals in mind. Make sure the pitch is not ornamental or fluffy. One that’s a bit informal can lead to some constructive interaction. All these constitute the main ingredients of the veteran’s networking recipe.
Once this is done, get your networking tools ready.
Get Equipped With Useful Networking Tools
Once you have a plan in place, equip yourself with the right networking tools. You are sure to meet many people during the event. It’s not sensible to continuously stack business cards or to manually add each and every number to your phone — only to be scrutinized and later transferred to the CRM system, consuming a big chunk of your networking time.
Instead, browse through the contact management apps for professionals and download the one that meets your requirements. A business card scanning and CRM export app can save you some significant time and cut back on the effort required.
CircleBack’s ScanBizCards Enterprise App can be a savior with its easy, accurate, best in class business card scanning feature. Using the Tradeshow mode, considerable time can be saved by exporting to Salesforce after scanning. The batch export, custom fields, and offline export mode makes it functional and feasible. With the app, you are all set to go to the event.
Reach the Venue a Bit Early
Seasoned networkers arrive early, allowing them to meet with a few prospects and exchange useful information early on. This offers some quality time in addition to what’s available after the keynote presentations are over. You won’t have limitless time for networking, so make the best use of what you do have and stay focused on your goals.
Stay Focused On Your Goals
People who are swayed by the speeches, the excitement, and thrill of getting to observe the key speakers – leaders in their domain – tend to fixate on the conversation about them.
On the contrary, seasoned networkers, or the smart ones, always come to an event with a clear focus and never lose sight of it. They make sure they have the time to identify the right prospects and exchange useful contact information so that they can later engage with them in a meaningful way. They also make sure to clearly express how that they want the relationship to be mutually beneficial, and they are prompt in following up after the event.
Follow Up After the Event
Networking experts don’t waste any time after the event. They know that the sooner they get in touch with their prospects, the better. Conduct a little research on the contacts added to your CRM via your business card scan app before approaching them. Getting to know them better and reaching out to them in a way that best suits them increases the possibility of converting the prospects to clients.
So, follow-up with your new contacts — make sure to keep mutual contacts in the loop, if any. Also, refer back to the conversation you had with them, and you are all set for creating meaningful long-term relationships. Happy Networking!