In business, it’s not what you know but whom you know. Networking and meeting new people is an important step in growing your business. It can be scary to walk into a room full of people you don’t know, but keep in mind, everyone in that room probably feels the same way you do.
Here we share a few tips to ease the stress of networking and make your next event a success.
Have an elevator pitch ready
Practice a simple thirty-second pitch about you and your business. Focus on who you are, what you do, who you help. Once you finish your pitch, end by asking a question that relates to your audience (or whoever is standing in front of you). This helps get the focus off of you and back on them, while they still learn about what you do.
Here are some fun elevator pitches
Find an event that interests you
There are literally hundreds of events taking place around you each day. Use social media sites, like LinkedIn, Meetup, and Facebook, to find events that interest you.
Look the part
Business attire is not to be taken lightly. Making a great first impression is an important step toward brand success. Make sure you look clean, professional, and organized.
Dressing for success does not have to break the bank! Try a service like Stitch Fix and get affordable clothes delivered to your door.
Have business cards you are proud of
Chances are when you meet someone new, in a professional setting, you will want to hand them your business card. Make sure your cards have the correct information and reflect your brand’s personality.