Sometimes it seems like everything is done online these days. The internet has become such a huge part of doing business that you can’t really operate without it. It can be easy to convince yourself that some things aren’t worth doing offline. For example, if you can make new business connections online, is there any point in doing it in person? The truth is that the internet doesn’t make all more “traditional” methods of doing things obsolete. Networking in person is still valuable, and many of the skills and techniques needed can get you far. If you want to raise your business image, remember these networking techniques that are still important, and can even translate online.
Look for Relevant Events
Being able to choose relevant business events is essential. You don’t want to waste your time at an event that’s not right for you or your business. When you decide to attend a meetup, a trade show or a conference, ask yourself why you’re going. What are your goals and intended outcomes of attending the event? You might find events that are suitable for your industry or your specific business interests. Some might help you to connect with the local business community or give you an opportunity to collect new leads. You can do the same thing online when you’re looking for social groups to join.
Work on Your Conversational Skills
Being able to communicate with people in person is just as important as doing it over the phone or through various online methods. You still need to work on your conversational skills, particularly as talking to people in person can mean discussing a broader range of topics. When you’re networking, there’s more scope for talking about almost anything, instead of sticking to pre-agreed topics like you might in an online business forum or during an email conversation. As with anything else, practice makes perfect when it comes to conversation and business conversation in particular. Don’t feel like it has to come naturally to you. You can work on your conversational skills to help yourself develop valuable connections.
Have a Pitch Ready to Go
Having a solid elevator pitch ready to go is essential for any networking event. You want to be able to explain your USP in a short amount of time, but in a way that sounds natural and not too rehearsed. While it’s something of a sales pitch, you don’t want to bombard anyone with sales speak. You should essentially have a short and easily understandable answer to give when someone asks you what you do or what your business does. Avoid talking about yourself too much and looking like you’re always trying to sell, but don’t completely forget the reason you’re there.
Work on Body Language
It’s not just words that matter when you meet someone in person. If you’re sending an email, getting the tone of your words right is one of the ways you make sure you come across as you want to. But in person, you need to think about both your tone of voice and your body language. The wrong stance or movement could make you look closed off, and being able to read other people’s body language is important too. Some people recommend mirroring the body language of people you talk to, which helps to put them at ease and show that you’re paying attention. Even if you’re not doing that, try to make your body language look open to make yourself approachable and show that you’re listening.
Trade Business Cards
Business cards might seem incredibly old-fashioned to some. But for anyone who networks in person, they’re one of the most important things you can have. It’s much easier to hand someone a business card with all your details than to have to write down information for them or remember to look them up on LinkedIn later. A modern business card can have your phone number and email address, as well as your website and your social media handles. You can even create cards for employees, sales representatives, and more by creating an account on Tank Prints. If you have lots of people that need branded cards, they can all buy what they need from one place. Keep a business card on you, and you’ll never miss a connection.
Push Yourself to Mingle
Mingling at business events can be tough. It’s sometimes difficult to speak to a lot of people in a short time, often engaging in a lot of small talk, and you might be uncertain about the etiquette. Excusing yourself to talk to someone else might feel awkward, but sometimes doing a quick tour of the room can be valuable. It helps you spot the people you would most like to talk to, and gets your face and name known too. If you feel a bit uncertain about how to move on from a conversation, prepare a phrase you can use to excuse yourself when you spot someone else you want to talk to. Make sure you’re polite and not too abrupt.
Following Up on Meetings
Networking in person doesn’t end when you leave the event or meeting. Following up is important too, especially now that it’s so easy to do. You have a choice of channels you can use to get in touch with people, whether you prefer to get in touch by phone, email or by sending them a message on your preferred social media platform. It doesn’t take long to contact someone with a quick thank you, letting them know it was good to meet them, and perhaps if you feel like it’s the right time, reaching out on business matters too. Don’t let a single in-person meeting be the last contact you have with anyone or leave it too long to get in touch. Otherwise, next time you meet, they might not even remember you.
We might be in the online age, but that doesn’t make meeting in person completely irrelevant. You still need the right skills and techniques to be successful.
