Networking, networking events \u2013 as an entrepreneur you know they\u2019re part of the deal. However, not everyone is a natural at networking and a lot of people struggle. Let me help you improve your networking game!<\/p>\n
Tip 1: Stop Selling, Start Listening. <\/p>\n Tip 2: Ask Away. Tip 3: Start Simple. Tip 4: Be Likable! Tip 5. Share Your Passion. Tip 6. Share Your Goal and Use Each Other\u2019s Network. Tip 7. Make It Specific Tip 8. The Follow-Up Networking, networking events \u2013 as an entrepreneur you know they\u2019re part of the deal. However, not everyone is a natural at networking and a lot of people struggle. Let me help you improve your networking game! Tip 1: Stop Selling, Start Listening. A lot of people seem to think networking is the same as selling. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4531,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[150],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\n<\/strong>A lot of people seem to think networking is the same as selling. It isn\u2019t. Networking is about establishing and building relationships. A crucial element of this process is showing genuine interest in the person across from you. I mean, think about it: do you really want to keep talking to the people that start pushing their product 4 minutes into the conversation?<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Resist the urge to start talking about yourself after your conversation partner answered two of your questions. Stay interested but stay away from standard questions such as \u2018What do you do?\u2019. Go beyond that. Ask about successes, motivations and dilemmas. Why did this person start their company? What do they like about it? And, if the setting is right, ask about their personal life too. It\u2019s questions like this that create a lasting impression.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>It\u2019s never a good idea to just stand in a corner like a wallflower. Join a group. Remember: everyone at the event came out to meet new people, so you aren\u2019t interrupting. Don\u2019t worry too much about opening questions: \u2018Can I join?\u2019, \u2018Why did you come to this seminar?\u2019, \u2018What did you think of that first speaker?\u2019 are all perfectly fine opening lines.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>People are more likely to do business with people that give off good vibes. Simply put: make sure they like you! Listen, maintain an open attitude, keep the conversation going, and smile! People often forget that non-verbal communication is essential to building relationships. Smiling helps ease the nerves and makes you come across warmer. If the event was boring, make sure you\u2019ve left the negativity behind you when you start networking.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>If someone asks about your story or your company, make sure you have your answer ready. Be short and precise. Most importantly: show the other person you\u2019re passionate about what you do. Tell them why you started your company. Talk about your successes, failures and challenges, and make sure it has a happy ending or<\/em> intriguing future prospects. People remember passionate conversation partners, so use that knowledge to your advantage!<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Don\u2019t think of your conversation partners as potential customers, but as potential ambassadors. I try to make sure people I meet become my ambassadors. I do this by sharing my passion and my goals. I want others to think of me in conversations with other people. \u2018Oh, so you\u2019re looking for this and that? I recently spoke with Rens de Jong, a really passionate guy, maybe you should send him an email\u2019. Don\u2019t overlook the network behind your conversation partner, because that is where their true added value lies.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Once the initial introduction is out of the way, don\u2019t be afraid of making things a little more specific. Ask questions such as: \u2018How could I be of use to you?\u2019. Next: \u2018What suggestions do you have for me?\u2019. Finally: \u2018Who do you think I should sit down with?\u2019 (and could you introduce me?).<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>If you don\u2019t follow up, all your efforts will have been in vain. Do this within 48 hours and send an email. And because you were paying attention, you know that John is busy developing a new app, Robin is crazy about new gadgets, and Lisa is on the hunt for affordable office space. Make sure your email is somewhat \u2018newsworthy\u2019. Forget the \u2018It was nice meeting you, let\u2019s stay in touch\u2019<\/em>, because honestly, how often does that happen? Instead, go for \u2018Since you\u2019re busy working on your app, did you see this one already?\u2019<\/em>, \u2018I read an article on gadgets and privacy \u2013 what\u2019s your take?\u2019<\/em> and \u2018Have you ever used this website to find new office space?\u2019<\/em>. It shows you know how to listen and <\/em>you\u2019ve just taken the first step in building a real, meaningful and hopefully beneficial relationship.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"