Some people are naturals in a crowd. They seem to be able to strike up a conversation, remember names, always get their key points covered, and never feel like hiding behind the fern in the corner.
Most of us have a bit more trouble. Connecting with the right business contacts in a crowd of strangers can be an intimidating task. It helps to have a few strategies to follow to get the networking ball rolling.
- Practice describing your business in two sentences.
- Be sure to add a benefit to draw the interest of the person you're talking to.
- Memorize your two sentences.
- Bring business cards.
- Keep a pen in your pocket.
- When you meet a potentially helpful contact, ask for their card and write info you want to remember on the back.
- Spend a few minutes with each person and move on.
- Listen more than you talk.
- Try to follow up with a letter or email a few days later.
- Most people have a hard time talking seriously about business in a gathering.
- Make your contact, then get back later to answer questions and make sales.
Dr. Kevin Nunley provides short articles on a wide variety of marketing and sales subjects. He supplies marketing advice and copywriting fast and at a low cost. Dr. Nunley is a veteran broadcaster and marketing consultant.
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