Business Tip – 20 Events & Networking guide

Business Tip – 20

Events & Networking guide

When speaking to new businesses, the first piece of advice I give is to get out there and meet other businesses face to face. Even in this digital age of social media, real people still buy from real people and this is even more so the case if you set your potential customer sights higher up the ladder.

This can be daunting if you’re not a natural people person but in today’s world it is becoming more and more of a must as we are in a very competitive business environment and the race to get your brand noticed is harder than ever.

If you are new to networking or attending business events then here are my top 10 tips on networking and choosing the right event.

First rule of networking:

It is not all about sales. You are going to be with professionals from established businesses so ask them for advice and opinions. You will be surprised how much they want to help you when you’re not pushing a sales pitch down their ears.

Try informal events first:

If you’re new to networking, pick an informal fun event with an activity. This will allow you to meet other people in a relaxed atmosphere and get mixing with others sharing a common goal.

A good example of this are our Evening Chill-Time events or bowling nights.

Take a friend:

If you are a sole trader and not been to an event before then take a friend or even a friendly client/supplier for support.

Tweet your attendance:

If you are going to an event then use every social media feed you can and say that you’re looking forward to going. This is a great way to pre arrange an introduction and an excuse to just say hi.

Choose a wide range of events, not just your sector:

The best networkers I know go to all sorts of events ranging from fun to political, engineering to finance. You never know who you will meet so NEVER make assumptions.

NEVER avoid political or economic events/conferences: I have spoken to too many businesses who say that those types are events are boring and not for them. Yes that may be true to some people but here a theme that runs through the Chamber network:

Political/Economic events = Influential delegates, influential delegates = the big businesses, Big Business = Attracts the SME businesses and so on. This all equates to a huge range of opportunities.

Never assume:

Never think just because you may be a small business that the larger corporate members won’t want to talk to you or even do business with you. They will be looking out for that bright new idea or suppler to help them grow as well.

Maximise your exposure:

Go to breakfasts, lunches and evening events if you can as you will catch the early risers and the night owls.

Have an opinion:

At many Chamber events you will get the opportunity to ask a panel of speakers a question. If you are brave and do so, then I will guarantee that like-minded people will approach you afterwards to talk to you.

Research the Delegate list:

The unique thing about many Chamber events is that you get a delegate list, possible in advance. Use it and research a bit about the people or businesses attending. It will go a long way into making first and lasting impressions if you know about their business values and passions.

If you decide to just take one of these tips on board, then I am sure that you will come away from a Chamber event, with lots of opportunities and contacts to keep you going for ages