Knowing even the basic Networking Strategies will turn a wasted evening into leads and referral partners… because every event is an opportunity to expand your sphere of influence by sharing what your business is about with others.

However, do you know how?

Ultimate Networking Strategies: Mindset

Look for Links, NOT Prospects.

• Links are people in a position to refer your services to many
• Prospects are one time potential sales

Ultimate Networking Strategies: The Obvious Links

• The Event Organizer
• The Speaker/s

These people know everyone. You must get to know them -NOT SELL THEM

1. Homework: Be prepared- if there is a speaker, you should have at least two insightful questions prepared that the speaker can answer easily and are on topic of their expertise. Get their business card and follow up with a thank you card.
2. Arrive Early: This allows you to meet the organizer & speaker, offer to help out, grab your name tag and get a feel for the room before the herd arrives.
3. Have A Game Plan: Know in advance who is going to be there. Simply call the day or so before to the organizer / registration person and ask for the attendee list to be faxed or e-mailed over.

Ultimate Networking Strategies : Identifying Links & Prospects

If you did your homework and obtained a copy of the attendee list, you would have already picked out a few top prospects or links to target.

Now for the Rules of Engagement for effective Networking.

Rule 1. Don’t Sell – Ask identifier questions – let them talk FIRST – your turn will come. It’s not about you….it’s about finding out about them.

Remember your job is to qualify those you meet as links or prospects.

Again , Links are people in a position to refer your services to many and Prospects are potential sales

The Four Qualifying Questions:

• What does your company do?
• What exactly do you do for your company?
• How long have you been doing X or working with X?
• Who is your ideal client?

You will know within 5 minutes if this person is a link, a decision maker or someone not worth pursuing.

Coming up in following posts….

Rule 2: Know Your Elevator Speech Cold….the Magic 4…

Rule 3: Protect Your Time & Value …..

Rule 4: Turbo Charge Your Business Card …

Rule 5: The Difference Maker ….how you will STAND OUT!

To Your Success!

Luke Harlan

The Strategic Marketer

p.s. Register Today at www.sbssregistration.com for the Small Business Survival Summit and use the Ultimate Networking Strategies!