If business networking is part of your marketing plan, then you have to make sure that you get the most out of each and every event you attend. This means you should have a plan of action in place to ensure your success. If you simply attend networking events with no plan in mind, it is likely that your overall success will be limited. One way in which to be successful is to carry with you the proper tools you need to make it happen.
Below are the 6 things you MUST bring to every networking event:
1. Business Cards This one probably seems like a no brainer, huh? Well, I can’t tell you how many events I have attended where one or more of the people there did NOT have business cards with them. They have excuses like “my new ones are getting printed” or “I left them in my other jacket” WHATEVER…they forgot, bottom line. I get 5000 printed at a time and leave some in my car, in my house, in my office, in my wallet…you get the picture…I ALWAYS have business cards…
2. A Pen Keeping a pen handy will make sure that if someone DOES forget their cards, you can write their info on your OWN card or a slip of paper. You can also be on the lookout for others who are in need of one and offer yours up…looking like the one who is prepared will help to instill in the minds of others that you can be counted on. Subtle, true, but every little bit helps when making an impression at a networking event.
3. Your Business Calendar If someone says “We should get together sometime…” challenge them. Immediately pull out your phone or PDA with a built in calendar and ask for a date. This will show you mean business and you can set appointments for one on ones right then and there.
4. Business Cards of valuable contacts in your network Another great way to make an impression at a networking event is to have cards on hand of valuable contacts you already have in your network. If someone is in need of someone in your network, it is a great thing to be able to reach in your pocket and hand them exactly what they need. You can bet this person will want to be someone that you refer to others as well.
5. Breath mints Networking means talking…face to face. If your breath is offensive, this will NOT instill the impression you want in the minds of others. Pop a mint now and then just to be on the safe side…ESPECIALLY if you are a smoker. No matter what you think, NO ONE likes smoke breath.
6. Nametag Now, many of the events you attend will provide nametags, often in the form of a blank sticker that you can write your name on. This is acceptable, but in order to make a more professional impression, it is a wise idea to have your own nametag created that you can use at each and every event you attend. This helps to set you apart from the crowd and make sure you are remembered.
Networking is as effective as you make it and this list of things you should bring to networking should help you make it one of the most valuable aspects of your marketing plan.
Author Resource:-
Stephen Labuda is an entrepreneur who built his businesses through networking. You can connect with him through http://www.networkedevents.com.
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