Attending networking events plays a very important role in growing your small business, but many entrepreneurs avoid these meetups like the Plague.
Let’s face it, networking events can be quite awkward. But they don’t have to be. Here are a few tips to take the awkwardness out of networking events:
Find someone more awkward
If you’re at a networking event where you don’t know anyone, and you’re feeling socially inept, just remember that there is always someone in attendance who is bound to be more uncomfortable than you. You will likely find them near the buffet table or bar area. Approach these uncomfortable people and introduce yourself. They will instantly love you for relieving them of the stress of having no one to talk to. Now you’ve made a connection AND you’ve become someone’s hero, all in one skillful move.
Don’t talk to everybody
Don’t add to your awkwardness by thinking you have to meet everyone at the networking event. Instead, give yourself a manageable goal: such as making three meaningful connections. That’s it. Focus on finding people you have something in common with (it helps if you’ve done some research on the attendees prior to the networking event) and having quality conversations with them instead of handing out your business card to every lost soul you see. Remember to follow up with your “meaningful three” after the networking event.
Become an expert on body language
If you see a couple of people talking in a huddle, and you’re not sure if it’s okay to join them, take great care in observing their body language before making a move. If their bodies are directly facing one another, then they are likely involved in a deep conversation where they won’t want to be interrupted. If they are turned slightly away from each other, then they are open to someone new joining the conversation. In fact, they probably want someone new to chime in and liven things up a bit. If you’re not sure if they are “closed off” or “open” by the position of their bodies, the orientation of their feet is usually a dead giveaway. If their feet are pointed directly at the person they are talking to, stay away until there is an opening in the conversation. If their feet are pointed away from the conversation huddle, make your move.
Focus on helping, not selling
You will be infinitely more interesting and you will hate yourself less if you attend networking events with a mindset that you are going to help others, instead of pitch and hard sell your own business. Going for a hard sales pitch will turn people off, whereas being helpful and listening to what others have to offer will increase your likelihood of closing business from the networking event. After all, people do business with people they like, and whom they find helpful.
Need help with your small business marketing and branding? Call Kim Speed at Purple Moon Creative today!