You can give yourself a competitive advantage by simply preparing for the networking meetings you will be attending.  Preparation is the key to increased confidence and getting the results you want from your networking efforts.

Set your Marketing Goals and Budget
Include Networking in your marketing mix and set measurable goals.  Determine your budget and select Networking events where you will have the opportunity to meet your target audience.

Networking Organizations – will they help you to achieve your business goals?
Select Networking Organizations where you will have the opportunity to meet your target audience.  Some networking groups require you to become a member where you pay a monthly fee.  Don’t join immediately. First attend meetings as a guest and ask members about their experiences.  Questions to ask: (a) What type of people do they attract and what benefits do they receive?  (b) Who are their guest speakers and what topics do they discuss?  If this group will help you to make quality connections and meet your business goals, you can consider joining them.

To get you started, I’ve prepared a  networking preparation checklist for you.

Networking checklist

How to prepare yourself for a Networking meeting:

• Define your own goals for a specific meeting.  Don’t have unrealistic goals.  It will take time to develop relationships and to meet your goals.

• How many quality connections do you want to make during the meeting?  My suggestion will be 5-8 connections.

• During networking meetings we have to master small talk. Small talk in conversations allows us to find common ground – it will spark interest.  Be prepared to talk about daily news or global issues. Read the newspaper that specific day – write down 3 things of importance that you can use to discuss with people in casual conversations.

• Have your 1-minute introduction speech ready. Incorporate your benefits that you offer and make your message compelling.

• Take your business cards and design your own name tag– I always use my own colorful name tag and it says “Hi I am Ursula”

• Dress for success.  Needless to say how important it is to always dress in a professional way.  It will give you high credibility and people will respect you.

• Leave early – On the way to the event be relaxed – listen to relaxed music in the car. Think positive thoughts – with a positive mindset, you will arrive peacefully and be ready to present yourself in a powerful way.

Happy Networking and best wishes in meeting your goals and grow your business!

• Authentic interest in people - develop a natural curiosity to learn more about the world and people you connect with. Ask questions that will light up people and that will spark their interest. Show genuine interest in their business and daily activities.
• Give First – When you connect with others, don’t think about what you can receive from them, have a “give first” attitude. Give them the gift of being in the moment.
• Small talk - Shape small talk. It’s not so much about knowing the best opening lines as it is about being observant, and learn how to comment on what you observe.
• Be happy and joyful – joy shows and it is contagious! We all experience challenges, but learn how to deal with it and forget about it when you network. Joyful and happy people attract others to them.
• Diversify your networks – participate in different kinds of groups (online and in-person).  Use various online social media platforms (I will suggest at least 4) to network.  Select platforms that will fit in with your personality, type of business and more important selected networks where your target audience hangs out.  First attend in person networking meetings as a guest.  If the philosophy of the group will help you to meet your business goals, join them and attend the meetings on a regular basis.  It takes time to establish relationships with our prospects.
• Not everyone will be interested in you – accept that NOT everyone will be interested in your products or services. How many billion people are on this earth? Not everyone will want to hire you or purchase your products. By understanding and accepting this, you will get over your fear of rejection.
• Follow-up with prospects. Always remember to ask a business card or contact details, and follow-up within one day via email, direct mail or a telephone call.  Implement a follow-up strategy that will allow you to build quality and profitable relationships.

Networking can provide a lifeline of support and business generation.  The beauty of networking is that it can take place anywhere.  At the Post Office, Supermarket, Coffee shop, Church and many more places.  Always be prepared to talk about your business!  Happy networking.