Action-oriented networking
ActionCOACH of Connecticut, part of the world's largest business coaching network, held the ActionCoach Business Networking Night at the Splash Restaurant and Bar at Longshore Park and Country Club in Westport, Conn. on Wednesday August 4, 2010. Photo: Christian Abraham / Connecticut Post
Wednesday August 5th we hosted our annual summer networking event. It was held at Splash Restaurant at Longshore Park and Country Club in Westport. What a beautiful location to get together with a group of business professionals and generate leads. Despite the hot summer sun these 100 smart people came out to introduce themselves and did something proactive to grow their business. They invested their time to learn about other people in hopes they might develop a relationship that could lead to a new opportunity.
Effective networking can lead to one of three things:
- A follow up appointment
- A referral or
- A strategic partnership.
Giving someone your business card is only the first step. Actually I don’t think you should hand someone your card until you have had a conversation and connected.
My philosophy about selling is that no one cares what you are selling, until they know you care. If you ask the right questions and listen carefully to the others person’s needs you will show compassion and demonstrate trust. And we all want to do business with people we like and trust.
But in your quest to be a good networker, if you feel that the person you are talking to does not realize they should ask you similar questions, it may be a sign that they are not ideal people to network with. In this case, DO NOT be afraid to move on, networking is a two way street.
Here is what a few of our guests had to say about our Splash networking event.
“I had a wonderful time at your party at Splash!”
“In fact, I had such a good time and met so many nice people that I ran out of business cards. I hope I get invited to one of your next functions.”
“Great event! Met some nice folks, exchanged at least a dozen business cards and enjoyed a beautiful venue. As a newbie in CT trying to reinvent my music marketing and consulting business, it was great to meet new people and learn more about business in CT.”
“I came away with two possible leads, thanks for reminding people to keep moving.”
“Nice meeting you last night!”
“Thanks for the invite-good food and contacts.”
“Looking forward to next event”
“Thank you for a well-run event”
“I had a lot of good connections and conversations. – actually did give some good referrals, and I will be meeting with 3 people who want to become clients with me!”
“It was a success!!”
Thanks to everyone who attended but remember, the most important thing about networking is the follow up! So make that phone call, return the email, LinkedIn, Friend Someone on Facebook, but take some kind of Action.
As Elvis would say a little less conversation, a little more ACTION.
And don’t forget to check out our next upcoming event at www.ActionCoachnow.com.
