A Networking Experience

After my last post about networking, I thought it was about time I ‘got out there’ again and met some local business people.

So off I went, out into a snow covered Suffolk to a local event – the main attraction being the fact it was billed as a ‘coffee morning’ rather than a formal networking event. I duly arrived, grabbed a coffee and then looked round the room.

I soon met up with a young lady who’d just started a new business. We got chatting and discovered that my old house was fairly close to where she lives now. We both had kids and talked about schools and the great fun we have as working mums. As we chatted I discovered she was facing various hurdles and dilemmas I’d already crossed when I started out so I was glad to be able to provide her with loads of tips and  information.

After a while we decided that we really ought to ‘work  the room’ – I hate that phrase, it sounds so calculating.

Across the room I spotted someone I’d not met before so I went over to say hello.

Did they ask about me, what I did, did I have a family?

Oh no, after my initial ‘Hello, isn’t the weather bad?’ (I’m so British) they immediately launched into their sales pitch.

I stood agog as they dove straight in telling me what they did, how long they’d been in business, how they could help my business (even though they hadn’t bothered to ask what I did)… this went on and on and on.

Eek – this is the reason I don’t like going to networking events. And to top it all, after exchanging business cards I seem to have ended up on their mailing list. As far as I’m aware, the acceptance of a business card doesn’t give an implicit consent to being added to a mailing list.

How to be an effective networker

In my book, to be an effective networker you should:

• Greet with a smile and a warm hand shake
• Make small talk
• Ask about the other person, don’t launch into a full-on sales pitch
• Give useful information if you can that might be helpful
• Listen and take an interest in what they have to say
• Introduce them to other people you know if you think  they may be able to help each other
• Keep and maintain eye contact

But whatever you do, don’t:

• Launch into your sales pitch
• Dominate the conversation
• Surreptitiously look around the room for someone more interesting to talk to
• Thrust your card at the other person
• Take the acceptance of your card as a right to add the person to your mailing list

I know men and women network very differently but taking the time to greet and get to know someone is common courtesy.

I like to meet people and find out about them. To me that is far more important than walking up to someone and saying:

“Hello, I’m Sally. I’m a freelance copywriter who can make a real difference to your business…”

Make a joke to break the ice and get to know the person behind the business.

Yes we are all time-limited these days but let’s not forsake the art of great conversation just to make a few more pounds. Talking, engaging and enjoying the company of others is not only more appealing but it will also ensure you are remembered.

So next time you’re at a networking event be more than just your business card.