Making An Impact With Creative Networking
Contributed by Jennifer Goldman
Utilizing networking to its fullest potential has everything to do with making an impactful first impression during those few moments you have to introduce yourself and engage in brief chitchat.
Because the window of opportunity to make the right first impression closes so quickly, it’s important that you prepare some of your most important points ahead of time, rather than attempt to think fast on your feet. You will only have the chance to say a little (lest your risk monopolizing your listeners’ attention) so you’ll benefit from planning a memorable and persuasive dialogue—ideally one with humanizing anecdotes, personal insight, originality, and humor. These elements are attention grabbers that make you much more charismatic and memorable than the average transparent salesman.
Don’t forget to dress impeccably, and with some creative flair. You may even want to consider incorporating a signature accessory into your networking outfits, like a necklace or a tie with trees on it if you own a plant nursery. Don’t forget to wear your nametag where it is clearly visible. Don’t place it somewhere awkward where people will be forced to bend their knees or crane their neck just to get a look. Likewise, don’t put your nametag where someone will be embarrassed to look!
In addition to dressing for impact, it’s also important that you approach networking opportunities with the right attitude. You want to exude confidence, so mentally prepare for meeting by making a list of all the skills, knowledge, and experience you can offer your networking prospect. This will remind you that you have unique and useful services to provide. If you aren’t sure of this, you won’t be able to convince any one else. Avoid acting desperate. Enthusiasm shows you believe in your product or service and are passionate about what you do, however, an overeager pitch can be a real turn off to prospective clients. It’s up to you to strike a balance.
Bring enough business cards to go around, as well as some instructions, samples, or visual demonstrations of your products or services.
Show up to the meeting early. Not only will your punctuality attest to your reliability, but you may also allow yourself an extra opportunity for conversation. Chances are you’ll bond with whomever you’re waiting with, and the pre-meeting setting may take some of the pressure off you both. Some of the best networking takes place during casual conversation. You’ll see how naturally you can make the transition into talking about what you do. Shake a person’s hand when you’re meeting him or her for the first time. Respond to greetings with an upbeat attitude that focuses on the positive. For instance, avoid complaining about the traffic you met on the way there, or the fact that your feet are killing you. (You should be wearing comfortable shoes anyway! Comfort is essential to confidence.)
When you attend the meeting you can standout and make yourself known (in the case of a group meeting) by asking lots of pertinent questions that express your dedicated interest in others’ needs and interests. Ask them open-ended questions, like what they particularly like about their jobs, what frustrates them, and where they could use some help. Offer concrete suggestions on how you may help a person meet his or her needs. If you lack the corresponding skill required to help the person directly, utilize your knowledge and other contacts to refer him or her to other useful resources. They will remember you for your thoughtfulness and willingness to help. By providing referrals you are also demonstrating your versatility, as well as your invaluable problem solving skills. Sometimes you may even be presented with the chance to provide useful information outside of the business context. For instance, the person may be new in town, while you’re a long-time local. You can offer that person all kinds of pertinent suggestions—from the best place to get a breakfast burrito to the quickest shortcut to the post office. Follow through with your helpful gestures by passing out your business cards. Grateful people tend to want to return the favor by helping you out when the opportunity arises.
During the meeting, speak with enthusiasm and smile whenever appropriate. Look people in the eyes, but don’t glare so as to intimidate them.
Just as you arrived at the meeting early, you should stick around until the very last person has left. Introduce yourself to everyone you can and attempt to connect with them on a level of camaraderie, by focusing on what you have in common. This may require you to remember a lot of names, but it will undoubtedly make
you more likely to be remembered.
About the Author:
Jennifer Goldman is a freelance writer, editor, and proofreader living in Denver, Colorado.
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