When networking, you have to realize that there are few moments when it’s okay to monopolize the space and talk only about you. You may think that you have the best product or service around and you’re so excited that you just can’t stop talking about it, and I know this may seem totally opposite of what you’ve been taught in business but… shut up! Because what we often don’t realize is that the more we talk, the less people listen. Keep what you’re sharing during a networking event quick, concise, focused, and always with a call to action.
When you become long winded, instead of someone hearing about how great you or your company is, the longer you dominate the space into your own verbal chant of how great you are, instead of listening to you, what the other person is really hearing inside their head is, “Oh My God, does this guy ever stop talking.” And then the daydreaming begins… “What should I eat for dinner? … hmmm, maybe tacos, Oh no those made me sick last week. Is this guy still talking! Un-Be-Lievable!” So with all that talking you did, you haven’t made any true networking connection because all their going to remember is that you were the guy that never shut up. Their not going to remember anything positive about you or your company because they were too busy trying to figure out how to get away from you; and now how likely are they to respond to emails from you…. not likely.
Just like they say you’re not selling a product, your selling a feeling; an experience that makes the consumer want to come back. Take that same approach into your networking. Be concise, clearly focused on what your company provides, and leave them with a call of action to possibly speak again next week, to connect again via email, to like each others facebook pages, etc.
And above all else, always come from a place of “Giving”. You’ll often find that the more thoughtful you are in helping others, there will be more rewards and opportunities that will come your way. Helping someone else can be a simple as forwarding an article that you thought they would find of interest. And be thoughtful about not only remembering someone’s name but also the name of their children. Thoughtfulness can go a long way!
So what have you learned?
1. Keep it short and stay on point
2. State what your company does and why it’s great in approximately 3 sentences or less
3. Exchange some sort of call to action to engage again
4. Be thoughtful and give to fellow entrepreneurs whenever you can
4. And the most important tip of all, Shut Up!
And on that note, Karol walks away from the stage and drops the mic.
With dedication to grow with knowledge, Success blossoms!
Here is a Networking form to help you apply these steps: Networking “How To” Form
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