Virginia based business networking events and groups are a fantastic way to grow relationships and start new ones with other local business owners – especially those that operate within our own communities. If you take the time to nurture those relationships they can grow to populate your permanent contact list to provide business leads in the future. Of course while these events are centered on building relationships there are ways to gain immediate leads – here are some strategies to help get the ball rolling:
Choose the right Group – Not every networking group in your area is going to be the right fit for you. Some are closed groups and offer entrance by invitation only while others may only accept one type of industry leader from each profession or niche. Others are tightly focused on one niche. Take the time to find the right groups and events that offer the greatest potential for return and business lead generation within your local Virginia or regional market.
Focus on Quality over Quantity – You might feel productive at the end of the day when you walk away from an event holding a pocket full of business cards but how many of those contacts are quality people that relate to your business networking and lead generation needs? Don't become that person that is constantly scanning the room looking for someone they have yet to meet. Pay attention to the conversation you're in and build a quality foundation so you can move forward with lead generation.
Make a Positive Impression First – How people perceive is extremely important and you only get one shot at making a dynamite first impression. Keep in mind that a lot of small factors play a part such as your eye contact, hand shake, grooming, mannerisms and more. Stay genuine and stay involved in the conversation so that the business owners you network with will see that you're grounded and worth their time.
Be Engaging – Seek first to understand then to be understood. That means that a conversation has two sides as well, so while you're networking with others you need to make an effort to comment and ask leading questions. Talk about their business, ask them to elaborate, demonstrate real interest, etc. If you demonstrate interest in a person they're more likely to show interest in you as well.
State Clearly What You Do – It's easy to get caught up in talking about yourself but you need to be able to clearly and quickly state who you are and what you do. People are more likely to remember a short and witty elevator pitch of a 10 monologue pertaining to how you learned to make blue widgets. The elevator pitch is perfect for Virginia based business networking events.
Always make sure that you finalize your business networking by following up. Don't be like so many others and drop the ball. The only way to continue to grow a relationship is to maintain communication. You'll only see targeted business leads from solid relationships. It stands to reason that if you want to grow your business you'll need to follow up with every quality contact you make. Build the relationship and the Virginia business leads will follow.
Author Resource:
Referral Vault is the number one source for Virginia Business Networking groups. If you want to build better working relationships with other businesses and improve your Virginia Business Leads then join today for free.
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