Columnist

Eight Networking Tips for Leeds Business Week’

Leeds Business Week is getting close and you have a fantastic opportunity to be educated, entertained and meet some new contacts. The events and the breadth of content of the sessions look amazing however can you make it a brilliant week by making some great new contacts?

So to help you make it a success here are my eight tips.

Tip 1 – Plan your schedule Take a look at the schedule of events to see what is of value to you. If you can, take a wing man or woman with you so that you can cover twice as many events.

The timetable of events can be found at http://leedsbizweek.com/events

Find the workshops that you think will be of value to you then register for them. Print off your schedule, plan you time so that you get full value from the sessions and make some great connections as well.

Plan to have a bit casual time as well so you can have a coffee and a chat with people over a break or lunch.

Tip 2 – Your attitude It is about preparing yourself with the right mind set and attitude. You can make it a success or a waste of your time – it is your choice.

Don’t go with the attitude of sitting back like a wallflower, make something happen. Think about how you are going to connect with strangers, what you are going to say. Meeting someone at the business week isn’t about you presenting or delivering you elevator speech it is about engaging and having conversations that are worthwhile for both parties.

Tip 3 – Be confident How people see you is important, whether you are having a conversation, sitting in the audience at a session or sitting having a coffee.

Think about your posture and movement. You should look relaxed and confident. Walk tall and smile as this will make you look friendly and approachable. In sales, confidence can help you win business. Meeting new people at Leeds Business Week is no different. Look confident and friendly and your approach will be welcomed by others.

Tip 4 – Say Hello, not goodbye Approaching a stranger and attempting to start a conversation can be daunting. In our sales training sessions we often get asked “what is the best question to ask to start a meaningful conversation?” The thing is we are all looking for the secret sauce that gives us a short cut to success and the truth is we have to work at achieving success.

Success in this case is starting and having a meaningful conversation with a stranger who may turn out to be a new customer or someone who can help you grow your business.

So here is the secret sauce to starting a conversation with a stranger. Saying hello is a great start and introducing yourself certainly helps then what next. It is simple to start a conversation all you have to do is ……..ask a question that is easy to answer.

It is simple as that, ask a question that is easy to answer and the conversation gets started.

However there is one question that if asked always gets the conversation started. This is it … “Where do you come from?” Asking someone where they come from always gets an answer as we all enjoy telling people about where we lived or our history in getting to where we are.

Tip 5 – Keep it flowing The objective in meeting someone new at the Leeds Business Week is about trying to find and build a few high high-potential relationships

It is not about talking about you or handing out your business card to everyone you meet. It is about showing an interest in the people you meet. You will have time to give them some relevant information or deliver a pitch on your services at a later date.

It is about making conversation and making it about them not you.

Tip 6 – Are you listening to me? A great salesperson, in fact a great person is someone who is a great listener. When you are talking to someone really listen to their answers. Focus on what they are saying, don’t interrupt them or decide what you are going to say next even before they have finished speaking.

Encourage the other person to talk and make him or her feel as though they are the only person in the room. Remember your body language, make good eye contact, stay calm and relaxed and enjoy listening to the other person as you will be amazed at some of the things people will tell you. Enjoy getting to know them as you will find some great contacts.

Tip 7 – Talk to the Presenters The presenters have spent time preparing for this event and if you listen to them you will be educated and entertained with something that may help your business grow.

Get to the session early and sit in the front row then listen attentively to their presentation. Listen for any particular points that you can talk to them about after their session.

Afterwards go and introduce yourself, compliment them on their presentation. Ask them a couple of relevant questions if they have time. If there is queue of people get their business card and catch up with another time.

The presenters may not only give something valuable but they could make a great connection for you.

Tip 8 – It’s not over yet This tip is about what to do after Leeds Business Week has finished.

With all the connections you make and all the business cards you will acquire you must follow them all up.

If it is a presenter and you enjoyed their session send them a thank you card or a thank you email.

If it is a new connection send them a ‘nice to meet’ you email with a quick summary of what topics you discussed and invite them to share further ideas and thoughts on how you may continue the relationship.

Use social media, send them something of value and make them feel important. Follow up a few days after Leeds Business Week has finished and give yourself a chance to build some long term successful business relationships.

If someone contacts you respond to them straight away. Keep in touch with your new contacts as in time they become the most valuable business contact you have ever made. It takes time and it is worth nurturing.

Go enjoy, be entertained, be educated and meet some excellent new contacts. It may actually jump start your business.

Michael McMeekin of Arrow Sales Training Limited

michael@arrowsales.co.uk or @ArrowSales

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Arrow Sales Training Limited .