How to get the Most out of the Next Mixer.
Wednesday, September 29th, 2010Many business owners and sales people attend networking events, also known as “mixers” with a single goal in mind, “to meet people so I can increase my business”. However, a big majority of the attendees rarely generate business. Why? The answer is simple; they just don’t work the event properly. Following are 3 tips to help you get the most out of your networking events.
Make Contact Before the Mixer. Try to introduce yourself to as many people as possible before the event. You can do this via Facebook or any other social media site where the people attending the event are registered. Contact them and make sure to say hello at the party.
Stop Selling. Many people have what is commonly known as an “elevator pitch”. The problem is that they try too hard to sell their products or services and let’s face it people don’t care much about our “pitch”. Instead try to get to know the other person, ask about their background (ex. Where else have you worked?), current involvement in the community (ex. What groups are you a member of?). Find ways for “YOU” to help them increase their business and it will comeback to you tenfold. By taking a sincere interest in the other person, they are more likely to remember you and help you grow your business. Remember “We Get by Giving”.
Expand your Horizons. I see it all the time, the same people sitting at the same table, talking about the same things. Don’t just hang out with the same people you always do, meet people from different companies / industries. You never know when you might meet a potential customer. that’s the purpose of a mixer.
I hope these three tips help you get the most out of your next networking party.
Oscar Marquez
Speaker –Sales Trainer
