Networking 101 - Meet and Greet Basics

You have heard from the experts how business networking can be nearly priceless if you make the right connections. Nevertheless you find yourself at social events, business meeting, conferences, workshops, and classes and on a good day you make two or three new contacts from the numerous people who attend in a day.
 
A great networker really does not think about networking per say but how he or she can help someone with a solution. They attend these events with both ears open and a goal to meet a large percentage if not everyone who is attending the event. Be a host or volunteer to help out with the event. It will help you meet a multitude of people quickly and break the ice too.
 
First things first, you must prepare. Know your business and yourself. Know the short answer to the following questions: What is your specific product or service? Do you have a special target? Do you have special qualifications? What do you enjoy outside of work? Mention activities you like, be specific i.e. playing golf or tennis, collecting stamps, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, Engineers without Borders, etc.. No one works 24/7 even if they are single with no family or significant other you must come up for air.
 
A critical part of your first impression is your business card. It’s your first level marketing and public relations collateral, so think about the message you want to deliver. Depending on your business get creative. Own a metal shop maybe you have an engrave aluminum or silver background with your logo. Personal Chef may have a scratch and sniff of aroma. A high tech consultant may have a refractive card that shows different info at various viewing angles. The bare minimum on the business card include your name, phone number, email and business name/ what you do. Options that will help even more like a photo, website, address, logo, description of services and company slogan.
 
Now you should have your 30 and 60 second elevator pitches prepare to roll off the tongue in a natural way. This should include your position, company name, brief summary of what your business does and the clients you have.  You should mention what you specifically need like a type of service, function or products. Now shut up and listen. You want to find those things you have in common (i.e. moving to a new location, children, local events attended, organizations, hobbies/activities they enjoy).
 
Now you know the nuts and bolts of the networking world get out there and start shaking some hands. Get those business cards and follow up with a note or card. Don’t be shy go to something at least once a week. It all gets better with a little practice so put your ears on and have fun.