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How To Be Successful At Networking
One of the first things you have to do to be successful at networking is be out going, being social, confident and not just a fence sitter. You must get out & meet & create as many people as you can. The more times you work a room full of people the more you give your business a chance of success. You will become more & more confident in time. Next time you have a chance to attend a networking function follow these tips to become successive at networking, while looking successful, bold, and sounding smooth to others around you.
Step 1
Preparation. Before you attend the event write down what your strengths, attributes and special skills are in order for you to know why someone should be interested in what you have to offer. Keep these strengths in your head in order to boost your confidence and remind yourself of why people should be talking with you and listening to what you have to say.
Step 2
Visualization is everything, picture the room in your mind, picture yourself shaking hands and talking with people. By visualizing everything you shall be doing it can really help even they most shy individual. Visualization is a powerful tool used by many successful people whether it is in business, sports or entertainment.
Step 3
Now when it comes to working the room have a confident posture, a controlled walk, be friendly, make lots of eye contact and a firm handshake to those you meet. You can use your surroundings as an opening topic to talk about. Example the venue or the host. This will help you to find a common bond and to keep the conversation going. Always start with small talk before you get down to business.
Step 4
When you have to get down to business have some questions prepared to ask people in order to find out what their needs are and then you can shape the conversation in order to reflect the way your services will help people in these areas. You do not have to be pushy, rather soft sell yourself and build interest. This will make people more receptive to be helped by you.
Step 5
When it comes your turn remember to repeat the individuals name back to them, talking is only have of the event, actively listen to what they have to say and keep a mental database of as many details you can about the person to whom you are talking. If possible always get a business card. The best time to ask is usually after they have talked about what they do and then you can offer yours in return.
Finally thought
When you return home be sure to write out information on the back of the card. This way you can maintain and build and rapport for future meetings emails and phone calls. Everyone likes a person who remembers them. Within the next 24 hours be sure to email everyone, just a quick email saying how you enjoyed there company and mention something special or unique about that person, plus suggest that they keep in touch with you.
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