Stress-free Networking Tips
As a small business owner there are so many things you have to do on a daily and weekly basis and one of those simply has to be networking. It’s not always easy to fit it into your schedule and it’s not always to walk into a new meeting and introduce yourself. Whether you attend networking events in your particular industry or if you attend Tradesource Mixers, you need to get out and shake some hands!
Here are some of the steps to chase away nerves and make the most of your time at networking events:
- Make a note of whom you want to interact (and why)
- Don’t leave the meeting without having made three solid connections — those business owners with whom you want to grab a cup of coffee with and learn more about… and tell them more about you!
- Ask for introductions. It’s easy to simply talk with people you already know, but you’re at the meetings to meet new people. Ask for an introduction and grow your circle of contacts
Once you’ve attended the meeting and collected the business cards, don’t forget to follow up. If you send out a newsletter ask the people you meet whether they’d like to receive it, it’s a great way to stay front of mind. What are your best networking tips?
