It wasn’t until I met and seen, Co. founder of global brand Rich Dad, Poor Dad Sharon Lechter on stage in London 8 years ago that I got to understand what the power of networking meant!
I was one of the 400 people in the audience that really resonated with Sharon Lechter and what she was talking about, and I understand all the principles of networking, that I had learnt that day!
I’d been doing this for 20 years in my Area manager and store manager days in retail around the UK but never understand what it meant.
Building relationships and connections was the most powerful way to create opportunities to do business with people face to face that you can know like and trust!!
I have been doing this for years, dressing and meeting CEO, MD’s, Corporate Companies and people that I new, for over 20 years in the industry.
Networking has lead to attracting over £250 Million worth of business, connecting like minded business entrepreneurs together and connect people to there target audience across Wales, UK, Europe and the world.
Having hosted live networking events with 100’s of worlds leading business leaders such as Richard Branson, Lord Sugar, Grant Cardone, Les Brown, Brian Tracy, Dr John Demartini, Jairek Robbins, Tom Ziglar, Dr Fab Mancini, Bob Burge, Hilary Devey ,Sharon Lechter, Michelle Mone, Forbes Riley plus many more, let me share with you my top tips on being a global connector to the worlds leading business entrepreneurs across the world.
1. Never leave home without your business cards!
The amount of people I meet at networking event who don’t carry business cards is shocking! Never miss a golden opportunity to give someone your business card, it could change your life forever in business!
2. Always remember it’s quality not quantity when meeting people at networking event!
I see so many people running around the room trying to give out so many business cards in one go! These are typically salespeople, just trying to pitch to you! When meeting new people always remember it’s about them not you! How can you help them in their business with your connections. If you get 3 -5 hot leads you have done very well.
3. Never go into your sales pitch ASAP!
Find out more about the other person, how you can you add value to them? Who would they like to meet in your network which will be most beneficial to help them to grow there business? Don’t sell, build relationships first, the sale will come later on.
4. Always grade your business cards!
One lesson I learnt from hosting one of UK’s biggest exhibitions at Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff for many years…
When meeting hundreds of new businesses in one day you will never be able to remember everyone’s name and company. So grade your business cards when they hand them over to you with the following information: A. Very hot lead, B. Interested in your business, C. Send me some information on your business, D. Add me to your database – we will take a look soon.
When you finish your event you can target the ones that are most interested in getting to know you first!
5. The more you help and support people the more you get back in networking.
One lesson I’ve learnt in networking it’s not about you it’s about them the customer! So the more you can help and support them within your network hopefully people will do the same back for you too.
Beware of 2 types of people givers and takers! Always give don’t be a taker!!
6. It’s good to talk to strangers with a smile at networking events.
The amount of times i’ve seen people on there own hugging the walls or near the doorway looking for fast exit! Go introduce yourself to these people they will be so happy to meet you so they are not on the own or feeling lonely. Ensure to smile and be yourself when meeting new people.
7. Never judge a book by its cover!
The amount of people who walk into an networking event I see who look at the audience stare for 5 minutes then shoot off thinking there’s no one there of interest their that will suit them. Plus when talking to new people you never no who they know, it could be your dream client that they know, so never assume anything.
8. Always be the one that is listening to people and groups.
It’s good to talk but most people fail to see the power in being a good listener too. You learn so much listening to people’s views advice and details of their network of people that they know in business.
9. Start setting up referrals leads and create collaborations with leading business entrepreneurs.
One thing I’ve learnt is to create referral partnerships which will bring you in extra income and brand awareness with the right partners. Plus work together with people who are more successful than you, leverage their brand with yours it creates huge opportunities for your business too. Remember your Network is your Net-Worth.
10. The fortune is in the FOLLOW UP.
For me this is most important tool in the networking industry that so many people fail at. They say 85% of people don’t follow up because they think they know the answer before they ask.
Always ensure that for every business-card or lead that you plan to use the follow up strategies on, that you have the Email, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram details for. Also make sure that you follow up with the person how they would like you to. if you don’t you will lose the TRUST with your potential new client! Plus your reputation will get around the business community.
I hope some of my PRSNTS networking tips will add value to you. If you would like any further information on how I can help you or your business please don’t hesitate to email at PaulSmolinski68.gmail.com
