The basic network model
Life and work provide us with many opportunities to network, whether they are structured events, such as conferences sponsored by professional associations, or personal events, such as parties with family or friends.
You will likely attend business networking events alone, and often you will not know anyone in the room. In those scenarios, Solopreneurs and Entrepreneurs will feel more comfortable when you have created for yourself a standard agenda of networking events:
- Get a client.
- Obtain a referral source or collaborator.
- Get information.
Meeting a potential client will be a long shot, no doubt. Knowing a promising referral source or someone you can collaborate with is also a stretch, but the odds are better. Learning something useful, whether it’s from the speaker on the show or useful information you get from someone you know, is a reasonable bet.
So polish up your short-form elevator pitch. Remember to smile, relax and be open to meeting new people. Take note of these easy-to-implement icebreaker conversation starters that will boost the ROI of your network:
- Go up to someone who is alone, smile and introduce yourself. You’re in the room to network, so be sure to spread out. You could meet someone worth meeting, and at the very least, you’ll make someone more comfortable and happy to be there. “Saving” someone is good karma.
- “This is my first time attending this seminar. Are you a regular?” Showing a bit of vulnerability is both humanizing and brave. You will demonstrate your mastery of the ritual of meeting and greeting. This opening eases the transition to a later conversation.
- “I admit I don’t know much about what (the sponsoring group) does. What other shows do they put on?” With this question, you will receive information that will help you evaluate the possibility of deepening your involvement with the host organization.
- “That’s interesting. Tell me more.” People love to talk about themselves. Conveying genuine interest is flattering and, above all, validating. The seeds for a good and maybe even mutually beneficial relationship will be planted, even if you don’t see that person again for another year or two.
- “Let me introduce you to… ” One of the best ways to position yourself as an influencer, as well as someone authentic and generous, is to introduce people who could work together.
- Ask the speaker a good question. Take notes during the presentation and raise your hand during questions and answers. Attendees can look it up after the talk. Feel free to approach the speaker as well. A good question shows you as an intelligent person. Be careful not to hog the microphone.
- “Hi, I’m (name). That was a good question you asked the panelist. What do you think about (related topic)?” In this scenario, you approach someone who asked the speaker an insightful question.
- “It’s been great meeting you. I see someone who is on my list to meet and I’m going to say goodbye. Thanks for being good at talking.” Your exit strategy.
Thank you for reading,
kim
