Here’s the scenario:
You registered and attended any one of the networking events that you’ve seen going on in our area. You meet a lot of people. You pass out a lot of business cards. You have a drink and maybe a bite to eat. You talk to a few people. Then you go home and shuffle through the business cards you collected and wonder, “Now what?”
Do you know that research shows, on average, you need to meet with and stay in touch with a contact SEVERAL TIMES before that contact (or someone that contact knows) turns into a client or customer?
After a networking event, follow up is KEY! As an organizer of several networking events, and founder of The Power Lunch Project, I know that most networking event attendees fail to do this simple, yet important step.
There were a few large networking events in the Philadelphia area over the past week! If you were in attendance, today is a great day to take that extra step to begin to really build a strong business relationship with a new contact – but make sure it’s authentic!
Here are some ideas:
• Email each person you met at an event. Remind them of who you are and offer to help expand their network.
• Choose a few professionals who might be great networking partners for you. Write a handwritten note and request an informal lunch get together.
• Request a LinkedIn connection.
• Take decisive action to assist at least one new person that you have met at each event you attend! If you can help someone, either directly or indirectly, give them a call and let them know!
• Contact the host – reintroduce yourself and remind them of what you do. Chances are the event host has a plethora of connections that may be helpful to you. Let them know what you need and offer to help them get the word about their next event.
Remember – networking is NOT selling - it’s taking the time and the effort to build meaningful business relationships that go beyond a two minute conversation at a networking event! Be prepared to not just receive, but to give as well!
• Email each person you met at an event. Remind them of who you are and offer to help expand their network.
• Choose a few professionals who might be great networking partners for you. Write a handwritten note and request an informal lunch get together.
• Request a LinkedIn connection.
• Take decisive action to assist at least one new person that you have met at each event you attend! If you can help someone, either directly or indirectly, give them a call and let them know!
* Decide to introduce a new person that you met at every networking event to someone in your network that might make great networking partners for them.
• Contact the host – reintroduce yourself and remind them of what you do. Chances are the event host has a plethora of connections that may be helpful to you. Let them know what you need and offer to help them get the word about their next event.
Remember – networking is NOT selling - it’s taking the time and the effort to build meaningful business relationships that go beyond a two minute conversation at a networking event! Be prepared to not just receive, but to give as well!
