Top 5 Tips For Business Networking

Running a small business can mean that you rarely get to socialise with your peers and meet new people which is why business networking events are so important to attend. Most networking events last for a few hours and are structured around a presentation by a guest speaker or by industry type. If you find the idea of attending a business networking event a little daunting then here are our top five tips to help you get prepared:

1. Make sure you arrive on time and you know how to get to the event. Many business owners arrive late for networking functions and then feel under pressure to generate new leads and contacts as quickly as possible. Remember that the evening is all about having a laugh and a talk with like minded people; just relax!
2. Make eye contact. Being alone in a group of strangers can seem awkward but the trick to networking is to remember that everyone is in the same boat and that as soon as you catch someone's eye its perfectly acceptable to go over and introduce yourself. If necessary make small talk at the bar or buffet but, above all, just start talking to people.
3. Know your company and your product. One of the staple questions at any networking event is "Who are you and what do you do?". Make sure you can answer this question succinctly and enthusiastically. Ideally you want your answer to be a conversation starter that will lead to more detailed questions (and more interest) about your product or service.
4. Take a pen and paper. Throughout the course of the evening you will pick up handy bits of advice or names of new contacts. Unless you have n impressive memory it's best to note these down at intervals throughout the night so that you don't forget them.
5. Make sure you have some business cards. Unless your business has just been set-up or this is your first networking event, there is no excuse for not taking business cards. Business cards are frequently exchanged at the beginning or at the end of each conversation you will have at the event. Make sure you business card contain up-to-date information and that they are memorable.
6. Bonus Tip: Act on any new leads you receive within the next few days. Delaying action will allow people to forget what it was you talked about.

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