Useful things to remember when you’re attending networking events.

Network events can fill some of us with dread and fear but bear in mind these thoughts and the whole thing can become a useful business exercise and perhaps even pleasant! For more information about networking events and how to maximise your business skills visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk

1. You are about to give up a couple of precious hours, so aim to get the most out of it

2. Get positive and aim to enjoy this event and have some real fun

3. You will see people on their own, open 2 ‘s and 3’s. They will be welcoming. Beware of the closed 2’s 3’s and 4+ groups unless there are people in there you already know.

4. Get yourself in the right state. …AND NOT “A RIGHT STATE” Walk in, head held high, shoulders back …and smile.

5. Try to think what you have in common with the people at the event? You all travelled to get here; you are guests of the same hosts; you are all here to learn something; you are all in business.

6. Plan to talk to 3 new people and gain 3 new pieces of information.

7. You are not only selling yourself, but also your company, it’s services or products. You are the human face of your organisation. Whatever impression you make, it will be remembered. Make sure it’s a positive one. When somebody has a need for the services you offer you are aiming for people to remember YOU.

8. Approach groups you feel comfortable with. Male/female? Younger /older? Tall/ not so tall? This will help to increase your confidence before you tackle the other groups.

9. You are a decent, hardworking and likeable person. Believe in yourself and in your area of knowledge and expertise

10. Allow the other person to talk and they should do the same for you. Be a good listener.

11. It is more preferable to be more interested than interesting. You learn as much from talking as you do from listening

12. It might happen, but very occasionally you might get rejected. These people aren’t worth giving a second thought to. Let’s focus on the 99.9% of pleasant and welcoming people

13. If you are shy (or believe you are) aim to go with someone you know and ‘hunt in pairs’. When you find it starts to get easier you can attend the next event on your own.

14. Move on from groups if you are not part of the conversation. Excuse yourself and approach a different group.

15. Everyone at the event wants to network. They want to meet you just as much as you want to meet them.

16. There will be the odd rude person …… just get away from them as soon as possible

17. Small talk is the foundation of all relationships, even business relationships. All information is useful

18. When you talk business ascertain the person’s background, how business is at present and where they see things going

19. When you ask for a business card always ask permission to call a few days later. Write down the agreed date on the back of their card

20. As soon as you get home diarise the call and annotate all useful information on the card in preparation of making that vital follow up call