Business Networking is a lot like Dating. It’s about relationship building and showing up as your best self. Just like in dating, you want to make a good first impression, so that there is a strong desire from the other person to have a second date or a second meeting with you.

The following tips should help you get the most out of your next business networking event. These tips apply to ALL kinds of networking events – In-Person, Online via Zoom or Google Meet, or via Apps like Linkedin, Shapr, Bumble Bizz or Facebook.

1. Set an Intention Before Networking. Decide what you’d like to achieve and place yourself into that headspace by spending a few minutes thinking of it.
2. Positioning. Think about how you’d like to introduce yourself to people at the business networking event. Write a script if it helps to organize your thoughts so that when you say those lines, they achieve Impact with your Audience.
3. Strategy: Have a plan. You’re there to meet some interesting people with the hopes that they can refer you customers or may think of partnering with you if your Goals align with theirs. 
4. Listen: Be sure to ask questions about what they do and how you can help them and pay close attention to what they say. This tells them that you are interested in them, which is likely to make them interested in you.
5. Elevator Pitch:  Prepare your elevator pitch which clearly talks about what you do, how you’re different, why customers or clients like working with you, who your ideal client is (Your Ask), and what you are offering (Your Give).  Write this out and then say it in your own words so it doesn’t sound scripted when you say it and it comes across as more authentic and genuine. This also makes you look more polished and professional, which will help people to take you seriously, while also helping you stand apart from the crowd.

Ask What You Can Do for Them, Not What They Can Do For You.

Rajiv Jadhav