In collaboration with business coach Navien Bansi, NU.nl presents some tips. Amongst others, Bansi gives acquisition trainings and helps entrepreneurs to build up a network.
Go with Confidence to a Networking Event
“When attending a networking event, you should be confident, otherwise you mightas well stay at home”,says Bansi. “If you are not happy with yourself, you have to work at that first. Start going to the gym or go running, for example”.
Set a Clear Goal
Also check what you want to achieve at a network meeting. “You should not think that right away you will score new contracts; so at first, just try to make contact with as many people as possible. Bear in mind that your dream client probably is in the network of one of the people you encounter”.
Invite People to Join You for an Event
“If there is an event, invite people from your own network, like some of your clients or other business owners. First, you will be prominent during the event, because there are more people coming to you. That gives a kind of authority. Second, you can bring each other into contact with others. My motto is: make sure you all have fun together”.
Show Interest in Others
According to Bansi you should not be afraid to break into a conversation. “People find it scary, but ultimately networking with others is the reason why you are there”.
“I always ask somebody about their past, then what they do now and then, where they see themself within about two or three years. You get an interesting conversation because you offer the chance to others to talk about themselves. You can finish by exchanging business cards”.
Keep Contact After the Network Meeting
“After networking with everyone I got a card from, I make a connection on LinkedIn. Also I send everyone a personal message, followed by a relevant article, and maybe later an invitation to drink a coffee and discuss a business proposal”.
“People with whom you cannot do business together may well act as ambassadors. They may have you in their network like an example or a dream customer. These ambassadors know that you had a nice conversation with them and you might hear it from them, as they know someone who might be of interest to you”.
Stay Visible
“For some relationships you know that you will encounter them again in new meetings, but you can also make yourself visible through social media, by sharing their posts or responding to their post”.
“Do not be too choosy when selecting a network. It is an affair. You will have to encounter them once”, says Bansi. “I have had on every event different experiences. It is all about what you make of it. If it was boring, you probably did not sit well in your own skin. All occasions where many people come, can be interesting. Everywherethere are potential clients or ambassadors”.
Source: http://www.nu.nl