Networking Tip # 5 - Bring a Friend

Bring a Friend

If you find it uncomfortable  attending networking events by yourself, invite a friend or client to come along to act as your wing-man (wing-person).  This can make it a lot easier and you will feel less uncomfortable.  What I like to do is to introduce my wing-man as the best person in their industry.  I would often attend events and introduce my friend this way. "Hi, I would like you to meet my friend, Mike Fralick the best commercial insurance guy in Halifax".  Not only did this make Mike feel great but it also happens to be true.  In turn Mike would introduce me in a similar fashion, this kind of tag-teaming  can make what some see as a stressful occasion actually quite fun.

Networking Tip # 4 - Give First

Give First, Give Often

This is also referred to as the law of reciprocity which basically means that if I help you you will help me.  So when you meet someone for the first time you should try to find something that you can do for them and nothing is better that sending them a new client.  Think about this for a minute, what would happen if you helped everyone you met by sending them a new client.  Their business would grow and they would have you to thank for it.  Do you think that they would start sending you business, of course they would.  By giving first you become a valuable connection and everyone want to have valuable connections.

Networking Tip # 3 - Follow Up

Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up

After you have met someone what do you do?  If you want to really get top know them then you must follow up and there are a few ways to do this.  Most of the time after I meet someone I will send an emil telling them that I enjoyed meeting them, referencing something from our conversation and suggesting that we get together for a coffee.  Sometimes if I am looking to stand out form the crowd I will send them a card saying the same thing.  The important thing is to follow up and you would be surprised at the number of people who don't.  If the people you meet don't remember you they how can they do business with you?  Simply by doing this you will start to stand out from the crowd.

Networking Tip # 2 - Show Up

You Have To Show Up

People often wonder how you become more connected, quite simply you have to show up.  One of the easiest ways to start is thorough your Chamber of Commerce.  They hold regular networking events that are usually free and all you do is show up.  The first time I attended one of these events I had no idea what I was doing and then someone came up to me, introduced themselves and started a conversation. Thats it we just talked about what we do, I made a connection. The important thing to remember is why you are there (to make connections) not to close a deal but to increase the amount of people you know and that know you and if you just do this once a month and meet 10 new people by then end of the year you will have 120 new contacts.

Networking Tip # 1 - Business Cards

Business Cards - How not to forget them

This tip comes from my good friend and quite possibly the best networked/connected person in Halifax, Matt Whitman.  Have you ever been in a situation where you wish that you had you business cards but left them in your other jacket?  Well try this and I guarantee that you will find it pretty hard to ever forget them again.  Choose a good friend or colleague and have a standing bet with them that every time they see you, they must ask if you have your business cards and if you don't then you owe them $50.00.  I'll bet that you'll never go anywhere without those cards again.