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Entrepreneurs will never be as successful as they have the potential to be until they develop good networking skills.  It is the continuing strength of ongoing relationships between the Enterpreneur, as the person, and customers that drives sales.  In a nutshell… is whether you are being remembered that counts!

I am sure that you have attended any number of networking events,  collected a plethora of business cards and the next day, as you prepare to do a little follow up, you can’t even put a face to the name on the card, much less really remember what it is they do, or how you can help them with your services.  You don’t want to be THAT person on the other end of this preverbial stick… let’s cover a few tips that will keep you “front of mind” for people you meet along the way.

Leaving a good first impression…

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What are some of the things that help you remember others?  Is it the way they are dressed?  Most of the time impeccable grooming leaves a good first impression.  Is it an attractive piece of jewelry or an unusual business card?  I have a friend who gives away a copy of her recently published book to a select few people with whom she wants to connect… explaining to them it is her “Big business card!” Men can take advantage of wearing a tie that catches everyone’s attention… keeping in mind that they may have “some splaining to do, Lucy!”

Be engaging…

How many times have you visited with a connection at a networking event and felt like their minds were in outer Mongolia?  People want to know they matter!  It is an easy impression to leave if you listen attentively, respond appropriately, and maintain enough eye contact that it is clearly evident you are interested in what the person is saying.  If you don’t want to be in this person’s energy… politely excuse yourself; if you do want to make a serious connection… engage with them.

Be appropriately inquisitive…

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Unfortunately, there is a significant difference between being nosey and being interested and great networking skills are reflected in the kind of questions you ask.  Don’t ask the kind of questions that can be answered yes or no – ask instead open-ended questions that help you understand more about the other person’s mastery of their industry.  You might want to inquire how they decided to pursue that particular career, or what they enjoy most about working with their customers.  Another important aspect is being authentic and natural in the kind of questions you do ask… people will sense if you are genuinely interested in knowing the answers to your queries!

Keep your own answers short…

Remember the person you are speaking with has it in mind to visit with a number of people throughout the evening and may be offended if you give them your lifestory in one setting.   Not only that, but the human capacity to remember is best with short, memorable statements.  If you have someone who is “collecting” information make sure you at least get in your name, the name of your company and the industry you represent, your product, and if essential – your location.

Obviously, you don’t want to just “rattle off” these keypoints, but find a way to make it memorable.  Is there some story behind what you named your company?  Is there an interesting tale behind your own name, or perhaps some event that happened near where your company is located that would help you let them know your geographic location without saying, “My office is located at 44th and Brown.”  Of these five points, people will traditionally remember three of them!  What might stick in their minds is John, the Coach from Tupelo!

Join in on the conversation…

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When you listen at the level of being appropriately attentive, it is easier to make a memorable statement, rather than just offering small talk.  One great way to be remembered is if you recognize a problem that you can solve, lead out with a question, “Have you ever considered….?” and fill in the gap by sharing a possible solution.   Not only will your input be appreciated, but you will give a small idea of your knowledge and spirit of generosity – both things that will make you more memorable than most other people.

We have all heard about branding as a part of marketing; far too many people think that is limited to marketing collateral.  It is not!  You, and the experience you give others is a big part of that branding.  What impression will you leave on people so that they feel good about having connected with you?

One last tip which I probably comment on in every thing I write about networking – keep in mind that you do not attend networking events to sell, you are strictly there to make connections.  Make sure these connections are favorable and memorable.

I hope these tips will make a difference in your next networking event.  If they seem overwhelming… pick the one you feel most comfortable with and try it on for size.   I can pretty much promise you it will make a significant difference in your own networking experience and that of the people with whom you connect.

If you want more information about networking, just check out more of my blog posts, or scoot over to my website and check out the Networking Resources there.

Jan Vitale, building a virtual corporation – one networking event at a time.

Vital Enterprises, LLC