The Blogging ACE: 2019

Networking Hints and Tips...

I have been networking for almost 10 years and I have learned a thing or two along the way.
Plan your Networking Week.
There are so many great networking events all across Long Island, that it could take up your entire week. By reviewing and deciding which networking events you would like to attend early in the week, you can better plan your business and entrepreneurial tasks around the more important and/or exciting networking events.
Mingle with new contacts.

Everyone's instinct is to mingle with people you know, people you are friends or colleagues with, but you need to reach out to new people in order to increase your network.

There is a difference between B2B and B2C networking and you need to tailor your pitch and approach differently, depending on your audience.

Take advantage during low turnout networking events. Some of my best networking opportunities occurred when I was at a poorly attended networking event. It's like having a one-on-one with one, two or three networkers. We had all already put aside the time to be at the networking event, so we did deep Dives in each other's business and had a tremendous meeting, and thst meeting actually ran over by 30 minutes. Another time, I was at a networking event when where only one other person attended, and from that encounter we are now working on a project together. it's sort of like taking lemons and making Mike's Hard Lemonade.

Some of my best networking is done before and after the presentation or seminar. Arriving early gives you time to network with less of a crowd around. SAfter listening to audience questions, comments and elevator pitches, you know who you can help with your products & services or give referrals to other's in your Business Network.

Referrals. A lot of networkers only think of themselves while networking and forget about their network. By referring businesses in your network, you are helping 3 people, the referral company, your networking contact and yourself. By helping others, referrals will come your way as well.

Following up with potential clients is essential and should be done within 72 hours from first contact, first by email and then with a phone call. The old adage, "If you build it, it will come" only works in the movies. I reality, you need to market, follow up and advertise what you have built. That is the difference between a Hobby and a Business. If you are at the Hobby Stage of your business, you go to networking meetings, exchange business cards and expect clients to come knocking. When you leave the Hobby stage and decided to "Work" your business, you not only need to build it, you need to get the clients. That involves following up with potential clients, improving your social media and a website.

Your web site doesn't have to be expensive or flashy, but it should represent your business. A website is like a storefront in a Brick and Mortar business. It is what your clients see and it represents your business and what you and your business can do for them.

While networking, be sure to remember and use the name of the person you are talking to. If you use their name at least 3 times, it will help you remember their name and show that you are interested in them as a person and not just a networking referral.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Booking Ace

Booking Agents for Music Venues, Bands & Events

Full & A La Cart Business/Personal Event Planning

For Virtual/Online, Live or Hybrid Events

Alex C. Elie, MBA

Principal / Booking Agent

150 Vets Hwy, Suite 1496

Commack, NY 11725

TheBookingAce.com

Tel/Fax: 800-ACE-1670 (800-223-1670)

TheBookingAce@Gmail.com ~ 516-444-5622