Which Networking Events Should You Attend?
How does one determine which are the best
events to attend based on one's best customer? Customers are not a dime a dozen, especially in today's economy. So it is best to follow the rules mentioned before on how to define your best customer before attending an event. The customer definition will lead you to choosing events where they will attend. Customers have their preferences for events just as you do. They are also looking for ways to meet others. If you find out where they go, then you should also make a point of attending. I have often attended events that I would not normally attend, just to get close to a potential customer, and of course a potential sale. And it may be someone completely unexpected that is met at such an event. If your best customer profile attends this event, you can bet that others just like them will also be in attendance. In the long run, your opportunity to capitalize on the event will be enhanced by being very discerning about who will be there. It is akin to choosing the parties you attend. No need to do this with an attitude, but you need to be aware of where you are going and why. Not all events will fill the bill. For example, if you were selling high end networking systems, you would not likely attend a Chamber event for small business. Not that the Chamber does not have anything to offer, it is just that your best customer is not likely to attend such an event, but people that attend Chamber events may be connected to your best customer. On the other hand, you will likely want to attend a business symposium directed at the larger size corporation. They are more likely to attend events that have other like minded companies as part of the participant list. Now that you have defined what kind of events you wish to attend, it is time to look at your calendar and make the decisions. You need to make sure that when you attend an event you will be able to follow up your leads before you make arrangements to attend another event. Nothing is worse than getting a calendar full of meetings and no time to do actual sit down discussions and follow-ups with potential clients. Bette Daoust, Ph.D. has been networking with others since leaving high school years ago. Realizing that no one really cared about what she did in life unless she had someone to tell and excite, She decided to find the best ways to get people's attention, be creative in how she presented herself and products, getting people to know who she was, and being visible all the time. Her friends and colleagues have often dubbed her the "Networking Queen". Blueprint for Networking Success: 150 ways to promote yourself is the first in this series. Blueprint for Branding Yourself: Another 150 ways to promote yourself is planned for release in June 2005. For more information visit BlueprintBooks.com
Related News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
10 Top Tips for Successful Networking
1. Recognise the importance of networking
Unforgettable First Impressions Part 3: Time is (Not) On Your Side
You only have three seconds?Connect in under a minute?People decide if they like you within the first ninety seconds?Make the sale in the first five seconds?You get the job within four minutes?Always make a friend in less than 30 seconds?
Mary Kay Ash Did It Best... (The Networking Factor)
"The Networking Factor, Everyone is important!" This slogan reminds me of another personal credo by one of the country's greatest motivators... Zig Ziglar says, "You can have everything in life you want if you help enough people to get what they want!" I'm sure Mary Kay Ash shared the stage and/or conversations with Zig Ziglar. What was her magic formula?
Examination of Discovery - Finding the Right Networking Group
Why would I pick this group over another group?
Give People Something to Talk About!
My husband and I tried an experiment one night. We were invited to a dinner party with three other couples we didn't know. What we did know is that we were all around the same age. We also knew what we were having for dinner. The purpose of the dinner party was to have an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
Building Great Business Relationships
If you're in a business relationship with anyone ? a client, vendor, or customer ? how important is that relationship to you? Do you value the relationship? Do you want to nurture it?
Unforgettable First Impressions Part 4: Become a Social Gift Giver
Do you ever wonder why single people give flowers, wine, candy or mix CD's on first dates?
Savvy Networking: Grow Your Business and Your Career
Did you know that contacts are the bread of career life? In times of change, information and relationships are a source of power. Savvy networking will help you to tap into this power to grow your business and your career.
Why Arent You Talking to Me?
Your nonverbal communication talks before you do. Only seven percent of interpersonal communication is transmitted verbally-the remaining ninety-three percent speaks for itself.
Alliances: More Than A One Way Relationship
What is the biggest advantage of forming an alliance?
Defining a Quality Networking Group
When it comes to quality, how do you choose
the group that matches your expectations?
A New LinkedIn Discussion Forum for High Power Dealmakers
For those of you interested in international business transactions or the business networking organization, LinkedIn, a new Yahoo groups discussion forum has been created. Several Yahoo discussion groups already exist on the uses and preferences concerning LinkedIn, such as the Yahoo Group forum called MyLinkedin Power Forum (MLPF), but the messages on that forum were biased. The moderator of MLPF censored opposing points of view. He is the type of person who would criticize a group member's message, but not let that member respond to his criticism. In many respects, the MLPF and forums like it were just plain boring: a large cacophony of disjointed and disconnected messages on everything from trolling for people with the same last name to using LinkedIn to advertise products or services.
How to Turn Water into Lemonade by Giving a Flavored Answer to a Fruitless Question
I remember the first time I opened the fridge to get a drink of water and accidentally grabbed the wrong pitcher...
Good Manners Mean Good Business
Good manners, good networking and good business all have the same thing in common. What they have in common is "you!" You are the secret weapon that everyone is looking for to help promote themselves effortlessly, enhance their communication skills, and more effectively network.
Creating Successful Alliances and Partnerships through Networking
Douglas Wilder, former Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the first elected Black Governor in the United States gave me advice that I will never forget. He said, "From this point on, when you walk into a room, walk in that room like you own it, when you talk with people remember to stand on your principles, keep your word, and people will want to associate with you." His advice became synonymous with my career and everyday living.
Value-Added Network
A value-added network can be achieved through explicit actions to develop, expand, and promote trusted relationships. One successful example is Thomas Powers, the founder and chairman of ecademy, one of the largest UK-based business networks. His passion and commitment to networking compares to none; he is ranked among the top business networkers in the world. Ecademy's philosophy is "Winning by Sharing", a theme of paramount importance. Donna Fisher and Sandy Vilas, of Power Networking, define networking as: "Networking is making links from people we know to people they know, in an organized way, for a specific purpose, while remaining committed to doing our part, expecting nothing in return."
Business Networking ? Extroverted Web Weaving for the Introvert
If you have been in business for any amount of time, you go to networking
events. Did your body just seize up? Was there a swelling of nervousness in your gut? Are you about ready to stop reading? I encourage you to stay with me about networking. Let me ask: what's the difference between someone who asks you at a picnic or at church, "Who do you know who ??" versus the reality that this is the same question being asked by everyone at a formal networking event? The difference is likely that phrase "networking event!"
How to Get More Visibility, Increase Your Influence, and Get More Referrals
Earlier today I was helping a client develop a better strategy to generate more referrals from local businesses. While that particular client owns an orthodontic practice, the ideas I gave him will work equally well in your business.
How to Gain Maximum Value from Your Networking Time
One of the best ways to get business is through networking. That's what the majority of people I speak to tell me. So what is networking, what makes it so invaluable to its supporters and how can you maximise your networking time.
Community Involvement Networking
It is important for you to join at least one service club in your area to help your small business in the community. It might be wise to get with other small businesses which are friends and figure out how each of you can join a different service club to maximize your word of mouth referral base in the community.
|
