How to Effectively Network
Updated: Jul 30, 2018
By Andrew Lie I July 9, 2018
Networking is not just a hobby – it’s a lifestyle. Here are 3 tips on how to effectively network at your next event!
Tip #1: Switch ‘OFF’ the Sales Pitch
Networking is all about building a relationship. Keep your first conversation informal and fun – avoid selling within the first minutes of meeting someone new. Before an event, formulate a mental draft of achievements of some projects you’ve tackled within the past 6 months. This is a great way to not only captivate the attention of the person you’re speaking to; however it will also be a point of memory for the next time an interaction occurs!
Tip #2: Ask Questions
Ask questions to allow the conversation to flow in a direction. You may not know what direction the conversation will take; however, the point is to get it going. Start with broad and open-ended questions, such as, “How’s your day going so far?” Once you have material to work with, begin funneling the conversation by asking more specific questions.
Tip #3: Follow Up
Once the event is over, follow up to see what’s up. Simply networking at an event is not sufficient to build a relationship. You can transform a good conversation to a great relationship by making the effort to touch base with new connections from time to time. We are all human beings after all!
This article was written by Andrew Lie, Marketing & Sales Coordinator of TorontoEntrepreneurs.ca. Our next Toronto Entrepreneurs Conference & Tradeshow (#TECONF) is on December 5th, 2018 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For exhibitor opportunities, visit https://www.torontoentrepreneurs.ca/shop
