Seriously, what type of networker are you?
Recently this is the conversation between these three young professional guys going into the same networking event as me:
“Dude I brought over a hundred of my cards and I plan on getting more than that many before I leave here today!”
“Man, I am going to sell all the way through this event. I am going in here to close some business.”
“Do you think there are any cute chicks going to be here?”
At least one of the three had a potentially winning mindset!
Do you think you are going to a networking event to collect new business cards? You don’t really think you are going to meet someone at a networking event and you are going to close business deals with them right there, that day, at the networking event?
Let’s set the table for the proper meal. If you believe the saying people do business with those people who they know like and trust – Networking is the first step on the know, like and trust staircase!
Here are three key items for you to be a great networker
First is your own mindset.
Be in the frame of mind, thinking – “how may I add value to others, here today, for each person I meet, how may I add value to them.”
This one small habit of thought before each networking event you plan to attend will do wonders for you and how you present yourself to others.
Second is know your talking points about yourself so you may speak them clearly and in a one or two minute maximum statement. It is possible you might have a few of these ready to go depending upon the group you run into at the networking event.
Third is you should be prepared to ask questions and then listen, then ask more questions and listen some more. Show genuine interest and ask questions of the people you meet. Too often people will say their two to three minutes and then the next person is barely able to hold back and they begin to blurt out their own ten minute story of their life!
Is there more to becoming a great networker? Of course there is! Would you be interested in joining a call about better and more effective networking skills CLICK HERE.
Meanwhile add these three key steps into your networking preparation habits to become a better networker.
Mitch Tublin is an advanced, certified coach, business consultant and speaker who resides in Stamford, CT.
I like to ask questions and get to know people when networking. I share my high level intro and ask for referrals. Most importantly, it’s about connecting with others and seeing how I can add value for them.