How To Improve At Business Networking

So, I really wanted to sort of flip this on its head because networking doesn't need to be as scary or as daunting as sometimes we think it's going to be. First things first is make sure you have up-to-date business cards and they have the correct contact information on them - the amount of times I've been to a business event and somebody's given me a card where they have crossed out their telephone number and told me that their number has changed, it's really unprofessional - so make sure that your card has not only your landline number but your mobile number and an email address and website would be absolutely perfect. So make sure you are coming prepared so that if people are interested in contacting you, you can just give them a card.

Make sure that you are also dressed appropriately for the event you are going to. It says a lot about you and your business the way you look and show up, so if you are going for some sort of business function where it is going to be suits and tie or whatever, make sure that you are dressed appropriately, not in jeans and t-shirt or your sort of weekend clothing. Make sure you have also worked out what you are going to say about your business.

If you are not passionate, why should anyone else buy into it? So put some energy into it, think of what would be something catchy that people would basically latch on to and remember. At business networking events, you will find that you are talking to a lot of people so you really want to say something that stands out, and something that makes the person think, 'I really should check that out a lot further'. Don't view people as strangers as well - that's something that can really get the nerves going - we walk into a room and think, 'Gosh, this is full of strangers.

I don't know anybody.' What you've got to remember is before you met your friends at some point in your life, they were also a stranger and something happened where you connected or you engaged with them, obviously found out you had a lot in common and it then turned into a friendship, whether it was a working relationship or actually a friend that you hang out with quite a lot. So instead of viewing people as strangers, why not walk into a room and view people as possible connections? A new friendship, an exciting journey, and take that energy towards every person that you go and engage with because they might be feeling exactly the same way that you are, so see them in a really warm friendly light and it will make it a lot easier.

Also, get clear on what information you want to actually share at this networking event. Now, if you have a product and it's being patented or whatever, some people might not want to know that kind of information, so leave all that to one side and only share the stuff that's actually interesting and exciting. And last but not least, enjoy it.

You want to be relaxed, you want people to feel that you are comfortable in your skin, even if you come away with just one new contact and you are networking on a regular event, you'll be surprised at how your business database can build. Sometimes, it's not that one person that will be that essential crucial lead, it might be that who they know and that how their database can open up and really benefit your business, so don't discount anybody, because it's not necessarily what they know but it might come down to who they know. So those are a few tips on how to improve at Business Networking, so if you'd like any more advice on this subject, then please feel free to visit www dot thelifechef dot com and sign up for one of our free 30-minute taster sessions. .