Expo is so very important for a myriad of reasons. Maybe the most important is networking with your fellow members. While networking is hugely important, for many people who aren’t overly social, it can be a challenge. Putting yourself out there and talking about business with people you don’t know can be nerve-racking.
Don’t allow yourself to simply attend Expo sessions and return to your room. To maximize your Expo experience, here are a few tips to networking in Las Vegas next week:
1. Come Prepared! Once you’re there, you’re there. You’re always from your office and desk. Be sure you have your business cards with you! And plenty of them. Furthermore, make an effort to get as many business cards as you can.
You also need to be mentally prepared. Know that you want to talk to at least three new members every single day. If you want help, ask SGI staff for assistance. We can pair you with people we think might be valuable to talk to.
Remember, you goal is to not only get to know other members; your goal is to create lasting relationships with people. This isn’t meant to be a one-time interaction. You won’t find out all of the information you’re seeking in an initial five-minute conversation. Instead, worry about making friends first.
2. Talk to People! I understand you’re not at your business. You’re not here to sell and make money. But still… first impressions are valuable! While at Expo, how you present yourself matters. If you look homeless, odds are most people aren’t going to want to engage in a casual conversation with you.
Charisma is also hugely important. The Harvard Business Review says that charisma is an important part of networking. Not sure how to be charismatic, here are some tips that anyone can follow:
- Fake it ‘till you make it.
- Focus all of your attention on the person you’re talking to.
- PUT AWAY YOUR PHONE!
- LISTEN to what the person is tell you.
- Ask questions.
- Act like the person you’re talking to is the most interesting person you’ve ever met.
Don’t forget, the people you’re connecting with are trying to network too, they have their own needs and goals. When you meet someone at Expo, they’re not thinking about how they can help you, they’re thinking about how you can help them. You have to prove your value to them.
Make it so that you’re the one people want to network with, and your job will be a whole lot easier. Try to get to the point where you no longer need to worry about making connections, because you are the connection that people are trying to make.
3. Exchange Info and Follow Up! This step is important– ALWAYS follow-up on your connections, even members you don’t particularly feel like you ‘need’ right when you’re done with the show.
You’re really wasting your time if you don’t follow-up on the connections you make. And don’t make silly excuses either: the “oh, I’ll wait a week so that I don’t get lost in the flood of OTHER people following up after Expo,” and then I just never follow-up.
Be proactive in your follow-ups, but read the situation well. Do not assume people will get in touch with you. A phone call is the most proactive way to get in touch with someone, but isn’t always appropriate. Sending an email and saying it was a pleasure to meet the person, and offering a helping hand, is often all it takes to start a friendship with someone.
Be sure to remember a few key facts about everyone you meet up with: think about the people who follow-up with you after these things. Find out about a project someone is working on, and mention it in your follow-up.
4. Repeat! Once you’ve made the connections, use them to grow your business. Call and ask them how they might handle a situation or issue. Be willing to be the other person’s sounding board, too. Reach out again and again. Relationships aren’t created from just one interaction, so it’s your job to keep up with your new friends.
Here are some helpful tips to help you network in Las Vegas. Best of luck meeting members and creating new friends. Your SGI staff looks forwarding to seeing you soon.