Mastery in Life and Business: Effective In-Person Networking Tips

Posted on October 01, 2010 by Meisha Rouser, One of Thousands of Leadership Coaches on Noomii.

People want to do business with people they trust, like and feel are competent in what they do. One of the easiest, cost effective ways to build your business, and be seen / heard as the expert is through networking. There are basically two ways to do this: 1) Via social media and social networking and 2) Live in person. If you are like most people, the latter is the most difficult. There are lots of articles out there on how to effectively use social media. My goal in this article is to focus on networking live in person.

In my Mastery in Life and Business series you will find tips on ways you can bring more peace, balance, and purpose into your life while building and creating the life and career of your dreams. One of the easiest, cost effective way to build your business, and be seen/heard as the expert is through networking. If you are like most people, getting yourself out there can be scary, intimidating and difficult.

I like to call networking as being “in-flow”. By keeping in-flow with your clients and perspective clients you keep yourself on the top of their mind, while building credibility, and relationships. Relationships are HUGE! (Sorry, did I just yell?) So, how can you make your networking time effective and productive?

First, you need to understand who your target market is and where are they? Make sure you are balancing your time between networking with colleagues and potential clients. Meeting with colleagues is safe, comfortable and supportive and is a great way to share tips on how to grow your business, share triumphs and tribulations as well as lead to possible referrals. But, lets get real here…these are not potential clients. Yes, you have to get yourself out there in front of potential clients. Where are your potential clients socializing? Here are some places to look:

Local Chamber of Commerce
Charities
Associations
Basically, anywhere people come together.
Second, you need to show up. I know… this can be the scary part. “What do I say?” “How do I act?” “Its going to be so obvious that I am nervous and thus will look like an idiot.” “Blah, blah, blah…” Guess what…pretty much everyone feels that way. You’re not alone. So, stop psyching yourself out. (This just made me think about my college days at nightclubs and bars. Back to the topic at hand. ) How can you confidently go into a networking event and make it a productive use of your time? Here are some tips:

Please, be yourself. People genuinely will want to meet you and get to know you. But, if your walking around like you have a chip on your shoulder or a stick up your butt, they will probably avoid you. BTW…if your nervous, be yourself and be nervous (just make sure and wear a lot of deodorant).

There will almost always be someone else (usually more than just one) person looking just as nervous and alone as you feel. They are the perfect person to start with. So, how do you approach them? Hold on to your seat… Start by saying “Hi, I’m Meisha.” (Please replace my name with yours. ) Then, genuinely find out about that person. Get curious about who they are, what they do, why they are there. Everyone is immediately put to ease when they can just relax and talk about themselves to someone who really seems to care. Note, you are getting to know them. Out of courtesy they will ask you some questions, but try to keep from going into your “rehearsed script”. Continue to show a genuine interest in them. Trust me, at some point, they will genuinely ask about you. Now their defenses are down and you won’t be talking to a wall.

If there is no one else that seems to be wandering around alone, then please, don’t be the wall flower. Find a group that looks the least vicious and approach them. When you approach them, start by standing just outside the group, obviously wanting to engage with them but not invading them. You will know within 30 seconds, if done properly, if they are interested in inviting you into the group. If they don’t invite you in during that time then move on to another group. When you are finally invited in, be honest. Say something like “Hi, I’m Meisha. This is my first time at one of these events.” Thats it. Keep it simple. There will always be at least one person in the group who will invite you in and try to engage you.

Great. Now you are in. Now what? Go back to getting to know the other person or people. When they ask you what you do, tell them, in story form, what you do. Try to avoid, “I’m a life coach.” or “I sell real estate.” Sorry, but boring. And, what can the other person do from there? “Oh, thats nice.” Doink. Plus, you run the risk that they have a preconceived notion of what a “life coach” or “real estate sales person” is and it may not be positive. Instead, explain to them what you do and make is short but sweet. Here’s mine, and no I don’t think this is perfect, but, hey, it gets them interested.

“I empower powerful people by helping them reach their full potential. I know that sounds a bit far fetched but most people have potential that they are not fulfilling or a passion they are not pursuing. If you had all the resources you needed, and knew you couldn’t fail, what would you do?”

Notice my story ended in a question that engaged them and brought them back to talking about themselves. Are you starting to get the picture that people love to talk about themselves…especially to a captive audience. Here is another example. “I help people find the perfect home for their lifestyle and needs. How did you know your home was the perfect fit for you?”

Now that you are engaging with others, don’t forget you are still building a business. Before ending your conversation, make sure and leave them with a way for them to contact you in case they ever need your services or come across anyone else who could use your services. This can be as simple as handing them your cards and saying, “I would appreciate you keeping me in mind if you know of anyone who could ever use my services. Do you have a card?” If you are feeling really saucy you can even go a little further. Once they give you their card, tell them you would like to keep in touch with them and if they would mind if you stay connected. There you go. Congratulations. You just networked.

I know I may sound a little flippant around this subject. My intention is to keep it fun. Seriously, becoming a good networker is probably the most powerful thing you can do to build your business. Just don’t take it so seriously. (Don’t you love paradoxes :)

Make a commitment today to become the master of your life and your business. Doing so will require you to move out of your comfort zone. Embrace being uncomfortable! And, paradoxically, before you know it you will start to feel more comfortable and in control.

About the Author: Meisha Rouser, speaker & professional life and business coach, helps move people towards success and mastery in their work and life. You can learn about Meisha Rouser, her coaching and “Business Mastery” seminars at www.BeyondLeft.com.