Beaufort Networking

Description

This month's topic is: SPEED NETWORKING

It will look something like this:


Here are some tips you should consider as you prepare to attend.

Have a plan
The best way to make speed networking work for you, is to approach it strategically. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the next speed networking event that comes your way:

1. Know why you want to attend.
   Are you testing out new messaging? Are you considering joining the association and want to find out more about it? Looking for a new client? A new job? Your reason to attend will keep you sharp and focused during the event.
2. Know what you’ll say about yourself and your company.
   Keep it short. As you do not know the attention span, nor the depth of industry knowledge the people you are meeting will have.  “Hi, my name is…., I do this type of work at this type of company and we serve these types of customers.”
3. Know what to ask about their company/business.
   You may get someone who is bumbling along trying to explain the details of what they do, or you may have someone reciting their life story…have a few questions ready to interject such as “who are your customers?” or “what type of clients are you looking for?” This will help your  "networking date" be able to provide you with helpful information during your initial brief time together.
4. If there is time, ask more about them.
   You’ll want to find out about the organization/business, how long they’ve worked there? How have they gotten referrals or leads in the past? 
5. Say thanks and mean it.
   When it’s time to end your meeting and move along, shake hands and genuinely thank the person for their time.
6. Follow up with all those you met.
   Some may be a great client, a great connector or great business associate, you never know. Make the effort to drop each a brief email to tell them how good it was to have met. Continue to nurture the relationship into the future.

Hope to see you there!

ps. Don't forget your business cards - a lot of them.