If you follow me, you probably know that I believe relationships are crucial to your success. However I admit, that doesn’t mean I love networking events. I want valuable authentic relationships, and a quick chat and business card swap doesn’t cut it.
So how do you turn this business card swap into something of legitimate value?
- MINDSET MATTERS! Why are you attending this event? If you show up with a mindset of trying to sell your thing, it likely won’t go as well for you. If you approach it with the mindset that this is an opportunity to start cultivating relationships, it will likely play out better. The thing with relationships is that they often take a bit more work than swapping a business card. This is just your first connection. Your goal should be to connect further.
- ALWAYS OFFER VALUE! Give first. Look for ways to offer value when you connect with someone. Did they mention a project they are working on or something that they are trying to figure out? Do you have resources you can share on this topic? Perhaps a link to a Ted Talk or an article you can email. Make note of these during the conversation so you have something of value to follow up on. Look for ways you can help them at no cost.
- CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA! One of the first things I do with that stack of business cards is look up connections and then like their business facebook page, connect on linkedin, follow on twitter and instagram, and subscribe on youtube. Fun tip- a great way to follow up is simply liking their posts, retweeting, and commenting on social media. Some of us get so caught up in our number of followers we forget, that we learn a lot about the people around us by following them on social media. I am not suggesting you be inauthentic and like things you don’t legitimately like, but by following them you have the opportunity to see what they share. This allows you the chance to deepen your connection and when you see something you do like, take the second to let them know!
- EMAIL FOLLOW UP! This can be very simple. Just a quick email stating it was nice to connect. This is a great time to share resources that you can offer them such as links to a book, ted talk, or article you recommend. If you have something further you want to discuss with them, this can be a great time to suggest meeting for coffee or further connection. Additionally, I love to use these emails to further conversations on mutual interest. We both discussed an interest in connecting with others and this person seems to go to a lot of events, maybe ask that they let you know about fun events they see coming up.