Recently at a networking event as I stood opposite person after person chatting and having fun I started to see a pattern…
I would switch off and disengage mentally with the people who launched into their ‘elevator speech’ and started selling me on who they were or what they did.
What I realized was I didn’t care what they did UNTIL I knew WHO they were.
Networking – Is About People!
The interactions I enjoyed MOST were with the people I got to know and was able to make a personal connection with. Those were also the ones I followed up with.
If you launch into a spiel at an initial meeting people switch off.
They are just not listening and certainly won’t be picking up the phone the next morning, keen to know more about what you do or to place an order.
When you are out at an event and you are in the “meet up” phase don’t sell… just be you. At this point all people want is to get to know you.
Most people open networking conversations with a first question of “what do you do?”
It is asked purely out of habit and politeness but remember no one really cares so tell them briefly but do not launch into a 10 minutes spiel.
Great Networking Questions
Some fabulous alternate questions I have heard used at different events and by friends which may help you to think outside the square and be a bit more creative in how you talk with new contacts at any first “meet up” are:
- What do you spend the majority of your time doing
- How do you or your business make a difference
- What are you passionate about
- Personal questions to find common interests or about family
- Whats exciting in your life at the moment
Stay focused on being a person and making friends and your networking efforts will be more successful!