Networking Tips! What Are YOU good at…where can you improve?

Ask easy questions.

Don’t act like it’s the 8th grade dance and wait around the edges of the room for someone to approach you.

Fire up a conversation by simply walking up to a someone and introduce yourself, shake their hand, ask their name & how does she know the host. Do you live nearby is always an easy one! Don’t forget to listen intently to their replies.

If you’re not a natural extrovert, you’re probably a very good listener – and listening is actually the most important part of getting to know someone..

Be inquisitive, ask them questions. People like to talk about themselves so if you can ask just a couple of questions and get present , you will have the chance to be the good listener you are and build really great rapport with that person.

On the other hand, if you are an extrovert, you might need to listen more. Yea I know you like to talk, but we are in the business of solving problems and if you don’t know when to zip it, you will never know what their problems are.

Ditch the sales pitch!

Remember, networking is all about relationship building. Keep your exchange fun, light and informal – you don’t need to do the hard sell within minutes of meeting a person. You do and you’ll be in the NFL club.

…No Friends Left!

The idea is to get the conversation started. People are more apt to do business with – or partner with – people whose company they enjoy.

Be a good representation.

If a potential customer does ask you about your product, be ready with an easy description of your company & product. 10 second commercial ( I am a distributor with it works…we make those awesome body wraps you may have seen on Facebook!)

Share your passion.

Win people over with your enthusiasm for your product or service. Leave a lasting impression by telling a story about why you were inspired to join the business.

When you tell people your reason WHY and tell them your vision, they get inspired and will probably start sharing their dreams and passions too.
Then they feel that connection, know that you are going somewhere and want to hop along for the journey.

Smile.

It’s a simple – but often overlooked – rule of engagement.

By smiling, you’ll put your nervous self at ease, and you’ll also come across as warm and inviting to others.

Kinda like when they tell you to get dressed up as though you have an in person interview, but it’s over the phone.

When you’re dressed for success, you step into it and speak it.

When you’re smiling, notice how others around you look at you. All the sudden your environment completely changes for the better.

Don’t hijack the conversation.

Some people who dislike networking may overcompensate by commandeering the discussion.

Don’t forget: The most successful networkers (think of those you’ve met) are good at making other people feel special. Look people in the eye, repeat their name, listen to what they have to say. Be a conversationalist, not a talker.

Fortune is in the follow up.

It’s often said that networking is where the conversation begins, not ends.

If you’ve had a great exchange, ask them the best way to stay in touch. Some people like email or phone; others prefer social networks like fb.

***Get in touch within 48 hours of the event to show you’re interested and available, and reference something you’ve discussed, so your contact remembers you.