Business Networking Tips for Busy Parents By: Shahrina Ankhi-Krol Ankhikrollaw.com
Business Networking – two words that conjure up a lot of questions in the mind of every small business owner. Should I go? Will I meet anyone good? Will it be a waste of my time? Even the “rockstars” of the networking world must answer those questions when selecting a networking event.
For those of us who are parents, there are many additional concerns we must address – such as, childcare, bath time, dinner, laundry, etc… – before squeezing in a networking event into our busy schedules. Does that mean we should forget business networking altogether? No.
Business networking is essential to the growth and success of small businesses. That is why business owners should not give up on networking despite their busy schedules. After a decade of networking in New York City, building my law firm from scratch, and founding MeetPreneur, a location-based business networking mobile application, I believe I have found the secrets to “successful” business networking.
Below are some tips for getting the most out of your business networking experience.
1. Follow your clients.Prior to committing to an event, always do your research. Go where your clients go. Generally, events that attract people from your industry and/or profession do not draw people who are likely to become clients. For example, if I as a lawyer attend events that are created for lawyers, I will most likely only meet other lawyers. Sure, I might occasionally meet a lawyers who may offer to refer clients to me, but it is much more effective to target events where potential clients are likely to be, so that the need for a referral (ie: the “middleman”) is eliminated. Find and attend events that your clients would attend to maximize your chances of expanding your business.
2. Do NOT “work the room.”In the beginning of my career, many avid networkers advised me to learn how to “work the room.” As a new networker, I did not know what the phrase meant. As I discovered, “working the room” means meeting as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, with the end goal of meeting everyone in the room. It is very easy to spot people who are “working the room” as they swiftly distribute their business cards to everyone in the room without taking the time to get to know anyone. Do not be that person. There is no point in rushing through an event with the goal of collecting and distributing as many business cards as possible. Take your time to truly get to know a few individuals who interest you. Understand their business, and explain your business without making it a sales-pitch. It is better to make a few genuine connections instead of walking away with a giant stack of business cards.
3. Read the business card when you receive it.Inevitably, you will receive multiple business cards at a networking event. Don’t make the mistake of just stuffing it in your pocket or purse without acknowledgement. When someone hands you their card, take a couple of seconds to read the card. Does it have the person’s name? Believe it or not, some people do not include their names in their business cards! Does it have the person’s business name? Does it have the person’s contact information? Reading the business card will not only help you to remember the person but it will also demonstrate your interest in learning more about the person you’ve just met. Since everyone likes to be acknowledged, this will leave a lasting impression on the other person, as well. Bonus tip: if there is something special about this individual (e.g., both of you studied abroad in Denmark in college), write a quick note on the card immediately after the event that you can refer to when following up with the individual.
4. Break the circle.It is normal to see a couple or a group of people banding together at networking events. These people may have arrived at the event together or may have simply found each other at the event and felt comfortable sticking together. Whatever the case may be, don’t be afraid to break the circle. After all, you are all there to network. Introduce yourself after politely waving or saying hello as you get closer to the circle. It is not necessary to start talking about yourself right away. Watch the dynamics, listen to their existing conversation, and wait for someone to ask you to introduce yourself or wait for a gap in the conversation to politely join the circle.
5. Be approachable.It would be too easy to say “remember to smile.” Yes, do smile, as often as you can. However, it’s hard to smile when you’re not speaking to someone. It is important to be mindful of your appearance even when you’re not having a conversation with someone. Like it or not, everyone you come across will have a first impression of you even if you never speak. Generally, at a networking event, people do not want to approach someone who appears disinterested, miserable, or sad. Be approachable. You would be surprised at the number of people who will walk up to you if you have a welcoming appearance. If the event happens to be on a particularly rough day, stay home and try another day. It’s better to stay home than to attend an event in a bad mood.
6. Connect. Immediately.Everyone talks about the importance of follow-up e-mails. While they are important, most people never get the chance to send follow-up e-mails because they either forget or just do not have the time. As a result, some great connections are lost forever. I make it a point to immediately connect with people that I truly enjoy meeting at networking events by asking them for their social media handles. Once connected, that person will remain on your radar for future communication. So don’t wait to send that follow-up e-mail to stay connected. Connect, right away.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
