Top 10 networking tips for business owners
21 June 2011
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The word networking can strike fear into the heart of even the most experienced business owners, but networking events can provide you with a wealth of new contacts, potential partners and even new customers. Read our top ten tips to make networking an enjoyable  – and profitable – experience.
1. Plan your event before you get there
It's important before attending any networking meeting what you want to get out of it. Do you want to make twenty new contacts or one real quality contact? Are you looking for a new supplier, an investor, a mentor or new customers? Your reasons for attending should define how you approach the meeting and help you judge whether it has been a success.
 
2. Arrive early
Getting to the venue early gives you the opportunity to compose yourself, collect your name badge, enjoy any refreshments if provided, and get your business cards and other promotional materials in order. It also gives you the opportunity to strike up conversations early. There is nothing worse than being the last person to turn up to a room full of people already deep in discussion.  
 
3. Be prepared
Check that you've you got enough business cards and brochures for those people who want to know more about your business. You should also remember to take a bottle of water with you, in case no refreshments are provided, and something to take notes with.
 
4. Be confident
Let's face it; standing in a room full of strangers is always going to be nerve-wracking, especially if it's your first time. It can be quite tempting to stand quietly in the corner and wait for someone to come to you, but for the best results you will need to be proactive. After all, the point of networking is to talk to other people about what you do! Remember to make eye contact with people and, most importantly, smile.
 
5. Take a colleague
If you're really worried about going it alone you could always take a colleague with you, but that doesn't mean you should stick by each other's sides for the whole event. The benefit of taking a colleague is that you can cover twice as much ground, but be careful not to speak to the same people.
 
6. Listen carefully
Be polite and allow fellow networkers pitch their businesses first. This allows you to listen and understand how you could help each other. It can be tempting to keep one eye on the room for other opportunities whilst you're talking but this can appear rude.
 
7. Create a 30-second pitch for your business
Time is precious at networking meetings, so you should be able to get across the most important information about your business, including your unique selling point (USP), in a short space of time. Practice introducing yourself with family and colleagues beforehand, until you feel confident with your pitch.
 
8. Remember, networking is NOT about selling
Networking is about building new relationships based on trust. People buy from people that they like and trust, so it is important to be yourself and be genuine at all times. You should think of networking as a long term strategy for building profitable relationships, rather than a quick win.
 
9. Be helpful
You won't be able to help every contact you meet, and vice versa, but you may know somebody who can. By being helpful and facilitating referrals between contacts, you can get referrals in return.
 
10. Take notes
Networking events can be a case of information overload, so you should make short notes at the first available opportunity after the meeting. Try not to make notes whilst you're talking to someone as you should be paying them your undivided attention.
 
 
Networking doesn't finish when the meeting does. In fact, it's only just the start. Make sure you follow-up on your new contacts as soon as possible with a short email or a quick phone call. Plus, if you've promised to send someone more information or a contact, ensure that you do. Failing to follow through on promises can not only damage your reputation but that of your business.


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