Are you Engaged?
In networking, this means to commit fully to the experience at hand. With that in mind, plan on participating and not merely attending, because when you participate you control the outcome and are in the moment.
To learn more about the subject, you can research the speaker or topic before attending. By calling the host or planning committee, you can find out an abundance of information while you are registering for the event. While it is only a few minutes of invested time, it will showcase a tremendous knowledge possessed. Who knows? You may even get the chance to speak with the presenter or host at the event. What an opportunity that would be to ask some really insightful questions!
When you are fully engaged, always smile and be approachable. When someone comes within three feet of you, put your hand out first and offer to shake hands. Take this opportunity to introduce yourself and, then, after getting the person’s name, introduce him or her to others in your current conversation or group. Always present your business card and ask engaging questions that pertain to the topic presented or about the host of the event. Another strong engagement practice is arriving early and standing close to the entrance and acting like the host. This is a great way to meet people. You can even thank them for attending. You can also do this at the end of the event.
To assist you in getting engaged, try some pre-event planning before you attend your next networking function. Start with your own personal outline of what, specifically, you do and know your 30-second elevator pitch. Next, set a target number goal of quality prospects who you intend on meeting and don’t leave until you have achieved your goal. Remember, this is not the time to close your next deal, but, rather, to get to know the prospects and see if there is a potential need for your product or services. Use this opportunity to set a follow-up meeting to discuss more in detail how you/your company can benefit them. Lastly, know something more about the speaker or reason for being there by doing a little online research. This can be done easily by looking on the company’s or individual’s Web site or a few simple clicks on Google or Yahoo. This will definitely set you apart from the crowd and help you become an Engaged Networker!
One Response to “Are you Engaged?”
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Aloha,
Excellent read. Do you suggest any networking events? Any demographics for an e-commerce site launch?