Three Reasons To Avoid Business Networking Events

Are you one of those people who avoid business networking events at all costs? Perhaps you tell yourself that you are just not cut out for networking, that you are not the ‘right personality’ or you convince yourself that you really will not get anything out of a couple of hours spent trying to make small talk with a roomful of strangers.nnMany people avoid business networking because they have certain pre-conceived ideas about what is networking but by doing so they are potentially losing out on an extremely effective way of marketing their business.nnIf you think you fit into this category read on and you might be pleasantly surprised to find out that business networking could provide you with a goldmine of opportunity, one which you could tap into more easily than your think.nnLet’s dispel some myths first:nnnMyth 1: Networking is only for those who like to talk….wrong!nnIn fact those who like to talk about themselves at the expense of listening to others are actually probably the worst networkers. Business networking is all about relationship building with others in order that they can get to know, like and trust you. Those who talk and do not listen do two things: they fail to understand the needs of those they are talking to and secondly end up boring the other person. This is not a good start to building up relationships.nnSo if your strength is effective listening rather than talking you are already one step ahead of the game.nnMyth 2: You have to be good at selling to be a good networker…wrong!nnWell partly wrong…business networking isn’t about giving a sales pitch for your services and closing the sale, but it is all about selling yourself. This means that when you go to a networking event you need to relax and be yourself, then people will see the real you. If you start pretending to be someone you aren’t then others will see through this façade and whether it is consciously or unconsciously they will not trust you.nnIn fact many business people who dislike conventional sales techniques such as cold-calling opt for the softer option of business networking or referral marketing because building business in this way is based on developing relationships.nnMyth 3: You are the only person who will feel nervous at a networking event…wrong!nnWhen faced with a room full of strangers there are few people who will say they relish making those first steps to approaching someone to talk to, especially when they have arrived alone. But remember, everyone is there for the same reason – to meet people, so think how delighted someone will be if you go and join them, especially if they too are on their own.nnIf you struggle for topics to start the conversation, ask questions that will quickly help you to build rapport with the other person. For example ‘What other events do you go to?’ or ‘where do you come from’ or ‘What do you do?’nnSo, what other business networking tips should you take with you to your next event to help boost your confidence?nnUndoubtedly your top tip is to be prepared. Know where you are going, arrive plenty in time and find out what the format of the event is.nnHave your elevator pitch prepared – this is the brief sound bite you give when someone asks you what you do. If you will be giving a formal 60 seconds pitch, ensure this too is prepared in advance.nnDress appropriately for the event but try to wear what you feel comfortable in.nPrepare some simple rapport-building questions you can ask anyone to get the conversation started and take plenty of business cards with you.nnFinally be prepared to find out about and listen to others – people appreciate others who show an interest in what they do.nnSo apply all these tips, be prepared to stick with it and soon you will find that networking is no longer a chore but an enjoyable way to grow your business.n