5 In-person Networking Tips in Entrepreneurship

In entrepreneurship journey, networking is not optional but a crucial part of the job. Your long term success depends on whom you go to, and with whom you have already established connections.

Keeping this in mind, here are some suggestions for you:

1. Prepare Thoroughly Before the Event

Preparation is the key to success. Your success in networking starts before you reach your venue. Always research what kind of event you are going to, and what kind of professionals you will meet there. Because your preparation will give you a good result. You can prepare a list of such attendees, whom you must meet. You have to make sure that your product or service relates to them.

Always attend events intentionally, because if you go to an event without preparation, it will be difficult to generate results from there. Do not go to any venue without preparation or intention, because your future success depends on it.

You should be clear whether you want partners, clients or mentors? (Because if you have gone in search of a client, you will not find a mentor or a partner.)

See Also: What is an Entrepreneur?

2. Craft a Memorable Elevator Pitch

Your elevator pitch is your unique sell point. This is how you will introduce yourself and your business. A pitch that is tailored, compelling and perfect for your audience.

Make sure your pitch tells others about what you do and what makes you unique and valuable to them. Practice it until it starts to sound natural. Make sure your speech doesn’t sound rehearsed.

3. Make a Great First Impression

First impressions are long lasting, so make a good one.

Dress yourself well while showing professionalism. You should always appear composed and not scattered. Then you can impress the other person.

Always keep your body language natural. Try to greet the person with a proper handshake, eye contact and smile. These non-verbal cues make the conversation more engaging for the person.

Your first impression decides whether you will meet that person again or not.

4. Carry Business Cards and Follow Up

You never know when you will get a chance to network. It could be in the boarding line, in public transportation, or when you meet a friend of a friend. Carrying a business card is the fastest way to network in your daily routine and to create awareness about your brand.

If you get a chance, also take other people’s business cards. If your conversation is engaging, you can follow up later. A good conversation can be helpful in building a good relationship.

5. Be Quick to Follow Up

The most essential part is follow up. Because even if you make a connection, you still have to give time to that relationship. Try to contact them within 24-48 hours. A genuine mail or LinkedIn message can be sent. You can remind them of you with some interesting thing in your conversation.

It is very important to have equal and extra efforts in any relationship. This shows your seriousness. If you want to create a strong bond, you can invite them to a meeting at your home or office (if possible). This meeting can also happen virtually.

Your get together builds a much more personal connection. You can invite a group of three to four people, where you can share some professional experience along with a personal meeting. This gesture makes them feel like they are in your personal group.

See also: What is personal development

6. Find the connectors

Connectors are the people who know the people ahead. Because big companies or groups don’t always send their decision makers to small events.

“Knowing who you’re talking to is key.”

You will need such people a lot for the growth of your business. Because they can act as a bridge in your networking experience.

“Sometimes it’s not the front door, but the window or the backdoor that gets you in.”

7. Be Mindful of Time

Although you are ready to spend extra time to build a connection, keep in mind that the time of the person in front of you is also important. Because in a networking event you get to meet many more people.

Instead of spending your time trying to impress one person, encourage them to follow up. Sometimes your mind says that you can continue the conversation, but it is important to respect the time and personal space of the person in front of you.