Do you remember the last time you went to a networking event or met with a group of other small business owners to improve your small business networking? Chances are you met a handful of people and came away with business cards or other identifying content. How well did you remember the faces and conversations that went with the names? How easily could you recall the business of an individual you met by their face and story alone?
When you're trying to build relationships, the last thing you want is to be just one more face in the crowd. If you don't leave an impression then the odds of building on a relationship with those business owners for the purposes of building business leads is next to impossible. If you're not making an effort to brand yourself and stand out from the pack then no one is likely to remember you or your business. Follow these tips the next time you're networking for business leads to ensure that you create a memorable experience.
Be Distinctive – While you don't want business owners to necessarily remember you for the shoes you wear, your haircut, your cologne or the color of your tie, these are all excellent ways to create a memory trigger that will help others recall their interaction with you. Little abnormal or unique things that stand out have a way of cementing a memory. You don't need to go overboard, just enough to avoid blending in.
Be Engaging - It's very important that when you network with others in order to build relationships that foster business leads, you need to stay engaged. It's obvious when you don't vest yourself in the conversation so make sure you listen well, respond promptly, maintain eye contact, etc. If you're truly present and accounted for mentally then you will stand out among the other people who are trying to "check out" early.
Carry the Conversation – Listening is very important, but so is responding and carrying the conversation. You don't have to do all the work (and you shouldn't try) but they shouldn't do the work to carry the conversation either. Ask thought-provoking questions pertaining to the group or the conversation to show that you're actively listening, engaged and interested in them.
Reinforce "You" with Keywords – Business owners network with people on a daily basis, that's just how it is when you're running a business. If you're not memorable then you're just a memory dump waiting to happen. Keep info about yourself short and sweet. They may not remember a long description of what you do but they can remember simple things strung together like your name, your company, your product and location. "Mike the Muffler Mechanic from Jersey" is easy to remember.
Contribute to the Group Conversation – You know you're a superstar but you cannot hog the show while you're networking with other business owners to build business leads. Instead of dominating the conversation – especially in a group – choose carefully when you'll enter and contribute. A few very intelligent words carry a lot more weight than a 10-15 minute half-conscious monologue.
You have to sell yourself just as hard as you sell your products. When you're involved in small business networking for building business leads you need to approach those business owners like you're making a sale. This is your brand, and your brand is more than just a logo. It's an experience. If you focus on selling a memorable experience rather than a snapshot then you up the chances of creating a memorable experience. You are your business, so make an impression that won't be easily forgotten.
Author Resource:
Referral Vault offers business owners in the Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland area with unique opportunities to leverage their brand and build lasting relationships through Small Business Networking groups. Discover how you can gain targeted Business Leads in your market today.
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