Tips & Tricks on Networking: How To Make The Most Out Of Your Networking Efforts

Let's talk about everyone's favorite topic: Networking! It may be intimidating at first but like anything else, the more you practice the better you get at it.

Tip # 1- Set a Goal!

Always have a goal when you are headed to an event. Amongst all the opportunities out there, it's easy to get lost on what your priorities are. By setting a goal, it forces you to talk to as many people as possible in order to find someone that meets your requirements. It boils down to a numbers game, by increasing your numbers at the event, you are more likely to find the people you need whether it's an investor, a new developer, or a potential customer.

Tip # 2-Less talking, the better

Do not tell your whole life story! Tell people what you do in 30 seconds or less. This gives people time to really ingest what you are saying and if they are interested they will ask questions! When people ask questions, it gives them a chance to reach their own conclusions about your business, which allows them to understand your concept much more clearly than divulging everything and hearing nothing.

Tip #3- How can I help?

Sometimes, when you are not finding the people you are looking for, it's important to take a break from your goal-setting networking. By extending an olive branch to someone else, that starts the birth of a relationship. Once that relationship is built, you can actually get better leads with a stronger referral because they appreciate your help and got to see your work ethic first hand. At the end of the day, they would be more willing to take the extra mile to help you find what you need!

Tip #4-Actually follow-up

Too often, people rush to accumulate business cards, but then hesitate to take the extra effort to actually follow-up! This is crucial, you spent all this time preparing your pitch and making travel arrangements to meet with people and spark the right people's interest. 

It only takes less than 5mins to send an email, and it is definitely worth following up with people who can help take your business to the next level.

Tip #5- Relax

It's important to just be yourself! When someone asks you a question about your product, answer honestly and if you do not know something, say you will look into it. This is not a round of jeopardy. It's okay to make mistakes, because it's more important to make them now, rather than in a board room of investors.

Thanks for reading, now get out there and network!