"That saying 'The fortune is in the follow-up' is absolutely true. At busy networking meetings, there are loads of demands on your memory and a follow-up call (always a call rather than an email) puts you back in their memory. And if you and they have time for a chat and you feel there’s a connection, this is the perfect time to book that coffee with them." - Rosie
Introduce yourself clearly
"There are 3 main questions to absolutely NAIL! Who am I (most of us can do this but it needs to be said with confidence and an offer of a firm handshake). What I do – ie the transformations I cause or benefits of my service. Who I serve and therefore who I’m looking to talk with at the networking." - Rosie
Public speaking isn't my strong suit (I'd much rather be in my home office, headphones on and working in my own little bubble!). This three-point introduction is definitely something I'm still working on - but the times that I've managed to say it clearly and concisely, I've noticed a lot more people coming towards me during the mingling part of the event. It works, it just takes practice!
I do a lot more online networking than in-person, and on the events where we all say who we are and what we do before moving to breakout rooms, I never remember what people do when they don't keep it concise. Saying less can be more powerful sometimes.
Set yourself up for a successful follow-up
"Be clear and concise about who you are and what you do. That way the folks you meet at networking will know whether you are of interest to them, or not. And not is OK because they won’t clutter up your mailing list. You also come across as confident and professional and they’re far more likely to follow up on social if they feel confident in you." - Rosie
I think this is a really important point! Not everyone you meet at a networking event will be right for you, and connecting with them all on social media isn't a must. You get to decide who you follow, and keeping your feed full of posts that are bringing you value (whether they are educating you, allowing you to get to know your target audience, or even making you smile) is more important than getting a new follower.
"And, of course, a well-crafted business card with your socials on is good marketing collateral. I do a digital card and generally ask folks to connect with me using the QR code on LinkedIn and then I follow up with them." - Rosie
Interestingly, I wouldn't put all your social media platforms on your card (whether it's a physical or digital one!). You want people to connect with you on your main platforms, so don't direct people to your secondary ones. If you want to find out more about main and secondary platforms, check out this blog.
I set a goal of 2 cups of coffee. I want to meet enough people so that I follow up with at least 2 people for a cup of coffee and see where things go." - Rosie
Setting yourself clear goals like this is genius! I've left many networking events feeling really motivated and excited about my business but when my partner asks "So was it a successful networking?", I don't have an answer. How can we know it's a success if we don't define beforehand what "successful" will look like?
One thing I've started doing is sending a DM to those I had a great conversation with along these lines: Hey X, it was lovely to meet/chat with you at the XXX event this morning/afternoon. Our conversation about XX was so interesting!
These DMs often lead to that conversation being continued, but they also allow me to remember who I met and where. I'm really bad at remembering names, but I'll definitely remember the conversations we had!
Networking isn't just about those in the room
"Networking becomes easier with practice. Be prepared to attend the odd networking where you feel this isn’t for you. How will you know when one feels right if you’ve not experienced meetings that are both good and not good fits for you? The network has to feel right for you and for your business. BUT remember, you don’t sell to the room – it’s not always about who is in the room – think about who they know, the people in their network who would be ideal for you." - Rosie
What I love about social media is that I can use it to connect with people at the networking that I forgot to get contact details off. The host often shares a post and I highly recommend getting involved in the comment section so people can find you - but also look at who's liked it!
Social media also gives you access to those people's networks - and if you think they could help your audience, you could absolutely share one of their posts.
Who is Rosie Diver?
"I have the privilege of owning the Women in Business Network (WIBN) franchise for Liverpool, Chester and Wirral. And the rest of my time, I’m a Digital coach – an IT help and support consultant for small businesses who want to make the best use of their digital tech. My favourite social media platform has to be Facebook. I love it for the community it can build. And the interaction." - Rosie
Rosie is also about to launch the Women in Business Network in the north of the Wirral in December - all her networking meetings can be found here. If you're new to networking and feel a bit nervous about joining, I highly recommend connecting with Rosie because she will definitely do her best to make sure you feel welcome!
Thanks for reading! I share a blog like this one every other Tuesday, and if you feel like they help your social media presence, and more importantly, your business - then please consider leaving a tip.
Every time this tip jar reaches £15, I'll run a giveaway on social media so a small business can access my membership group for two months.
Tesni xx
