1. You need to be confident if you are going to be a successful networker – confident, not cocky!
2. Before an event, read about the issues facing; you, your company, the industry. Be prepared to put your view forward, not in a dogmatic way, but as a contributor to the debate.
3. When you arrive at an event, pick up an attendees list. (At Arena events you can do this online before hand) Set yourself a target of those you’d
like to meet. Even if you only manage “hello”
4. Make sure you have a stash of business cards and give one to everyone
you talk to, being sure to receive one of theirs in response.
5. If attending an event with colleagues, split up and work the room
independently. There is no point all sticking together!
6. Networking and selling are not the same, don’t go straight into sales
mode, you are sacrificing long term gain for short-term opportunity.
7. Present yourself in a way that will make people want to meet you again.
Have new ideas; an international perspective; or a good handle on key
issues.
8. After an event, send a quick e-mail to the people you have met. Don’t be
too pushy, but set the scene for your next meeting, maybe at a future
Arena event!
9. Don’t wear black or grey, you won’t stand out in a crowd!
10. Spend 5 minutes during the event to make personal notes on the back of
business cards – a good place to do this is in the loo!
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