'Connecting is not Enough' - tips and tools to help you get a return from your networking

Last week I met someone at a networking event and we chatted about some opportunities to possibly work together. He asked for my card but didn't have any himself. Not a problem on its own (see the last edition) but his response was interesting. 

"Don't worry", he told me. "I've collected everyone's card tonight and I'll send them all an email saying how good it was to meet and with my details". 

When I asked if he would personalise the email for each person he met, reflecting their conversation, he looked at me in amazement. "How can I remember all of those names?"

Sending a simple personalised email to someone reflecting the conversation you had isn't that difficult. All you need to do is:

1. Speak to a few people and have genuine conversations rather than rush around the room trying to grab a card from everyone.

2. Show a genuine interest in the other person and engage in conversation rather than trade elevator pitches

3. Listen to their name when they tell you and look at it again on their card when they give it to you.

4. Make notes on the back of the cards your receive, either at the time (with their permission) or as soon as possible after the event. 

5. Follow up quickly, within 24 hours if possible, while the conversations are still fresh in your mind. 

You will achieve far more and create a greater impact by showing a genuine interest in a few individuals at an event rather than collecting cards from and email blasting everyone at an event. 

By the way, I still haven't heard anything from him!

Can your network recognise opportunities to refer you and understand how to have a conversation with your prospect that motivates that person to want to hear from you and find out more? 

How to help your network refer you

 

A couple of months ago I recorded an interview about networking strategy for Sticky Marketing TV alongside marketing expert Grant Leboff. I have been invited back to record a second interview, this time to talk about referral marketing, and you could be there too. 

Sticky Marketing TV record their interviews in front of a small audience at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel Watford Conference Centre every few months, with five business specialists being interviewed in a day. I'll be interviewed at 10am on the 5th October, followed by Agnes Nairn, Philip Hesketh and Robert Craven.

If you'd like to come along and spend all or part of the day watching the interviews and picking up some key business tips as well as having the opportunity to network with others there, please  contact  ashleybryan@stickymarketing.com.

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Coming up... a few opportunities to see me speak at an event coming up soon:

28th September 6.30pm-9pm - How to develop a successful referrals strategy at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce UK. Radisson Blu Portman Hotel, Portman Square, W1.

http://www.scc.org.uk/index.php?page=eventsSCC&event=310  

12th October 11am - Word of Mouse - Using LinkedIn as a referral tool at SageWorld. EventCity, Manchester. 

http://www.sageworld2011.co.uk/  

13th October 11am - How to network with confidence at SageWorld. EventCity, Manchester. 

http://www.sageworld2011.co.uk/ 

26th October 8.30am - Discussing Recommended: How to Sell Through Networking and Referrals at Like Minds Business Book Club. The Hospital Club, 24 Endell Street, London WC2H 9HQ. 

27th October 7pm - Host of the Camden and Islington Business Awards. Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. 

http://cibawards.com/  

Enchanted forest

Just for Fun

In other people's words 

"I have to tell you that it was an absolute pleasure to work with you!  Your balance of information, practical interaction and anecdotal evidence was perfect for the delegates - they seemed enthralled!

Thank you so much for the copy of your book which arrived today - I truly appreciate it!"

Tracy Johnson

Marketing Services Director

Eventia

"I'm working through the book (second read) and it's enormously useful and tons of really sound advice that is far beyond 'enthusiastic networking' in terms of getting solid results from any networking events.  I've taken lots of notes ( my parents would not let me write in books so I can't bring myself to go to work with the highlighter) and a serious networking strategy is in the making."

Lesley Morrissey

Inside News