Far from being just a namecard-exchanging exercise, a networking event can yield valuable contacts, pointers and ideas
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SOME people seem to think the success of an event can be measured by the number of business cards they take away from it. The truth is, it is better to make real connections with fewer people, rather than to pride yourself on a collection of cards that you may never use.
These simple steps will help you to use your business cards effectively and tell what to do next with the cards that you collect at a networking event.
Always carry your business card
That means both in and out of business hours - even at social and sporting events. You never know when someone may need your services.
Never hand out cards with incorrect or crossed-out information
It is not professional. Information crossed out may give the appearance that you are disorganised or do not pay attention to details. Business cards are not expensive to print and you should ensure each one you hand out is an ideal representation of you and your business.
Keep track of your card supply
Do not allow yourself to be in a position where you cannot give someone your card. Be aware of your stock and re-order before you get too low.
Ask for a business card
When you have met someone and exchanged words, ask: "May I have your card?" Always ask for their card first. Once you have received it, ask: "May I give you my card?" Do not always assume that they will want your card. It is more polite to give it to them after they have said yes.
Ask permission
If you want to write details on someone's card while you are still with them, always ask, "Do you mind if I make a note on the back of your card?"
Some people invest substantially in the design and manufacture of their cards and asking this question demonstrates your respect.
Write notes to yourself
When you have finished a conversation with someone, take a moment to write something about him or her on the back of his or her card. This will help jog your memory when you contact them after the event.
After each networking event, group all the cards together with a note to remind yourself of the event where you met these people.
Some people invest in contact management systems, but you can still establish an effective contact system using basic tools such as a business card holder and Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Notes.
Schedule follow-up time
Whenever you book a networking event in your diary, schedule another 30-minute appointment with yourself for the day after the event, to follow up with the organisers and the people you have met.
Send handwritten cards
Send handwritten thank you cards to people you feel you made a real connection with. Thank them for the time spent, the information they gave or acknowledge some other connection that was made.
Receiving a handwritten card in the mail is so unusual and personal that it delivers a powerful impression, far stronger than a quick e-mail might.
Book a 20-minute coffee appointment
If you have connected with someone at an event and you want to know more about them and their business, make an appointment with them for a 20-minute coffee break.
This is an easy appointment for most people to fit into their schedules. It indicates that you value their time and shows that you are genuine about wanting to find out more about them. When you contact them you might say, "I'd like to invite you for a 20-minute coffee so I can find out more about what you do. What day is most suitable for you?"
Make sure you honour the 20 minutes. At the 20-minute mark, I always stop the meeting and say, "I promised it would take only 20-minutes, so thank you for your time." At this point, the person you are with is able to choose whether they want to end the meeting or continue.
Send a thank-you to the event organiser
Take the time to thank the organisers of the event, let them know why you found it valuable and include your business card in the envelope. There is a lot of time and energy that goes into organising events and people appreciate you taking the time to acknowledge that.
..................................................................................................
SOME people seem to think the success of an event can be measured by the number of business cards they take away from it. The truth is, it is better to make real connections with fewer people, rather than to pride yourself on a collection of cards that you may never use.
These simple steps will help you to use your business cards effectively and tell what to do next with the cards that you collect at a networking event.
Always carry your business card
That means both in and out of business hours - even at social and sporting events. You never know when someone may need your services.
Never hand out cards with incorrect or crossed-out information
It is not professional. Information crossed out may give the appearance that you are disorganised or do not pay attention to details. Business cards are not expensive to print and you should ensure each one you hand out is an ideal representation of you and your business.
Keep track of your card supply
Do not allow yourself to be in a position where you cannot give someone your card. Be aware of your stock and re-order before you get too low.
Ask for a business card
When you have met someone and exchanged words, ask: "May I have your card?" Always ask for their card first. Once you have received it, ask: "May I give you my card?" Do not always assume that they will want your card. It is more polite to give it to them after they have said yes.
Ask permission
If you want to write details on someone's card while you are still with them, always ask, "Do you mind if I make a note on the back of your card?"
Some people invest substantially in the design and manufacture of their cards and asking this question demonstrates your respect.
Write notes to yourself
When you have finished a conversation with someone, take a moment to write something about him or her on the back of his or her card. This will help jog your memory when you contact them after the event.
After each networking event, group all the cards together with a note to remind yourself of the event where you met these people.
Some people invest in contact management systems, but you can still establish an effective contact system using basic tools such as a business card holder and Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Notes.
Schedule follow-up time
Whenever you book a networking event in your diary, schedule another 30-minute appointment with yourself for the day after the event, to follow up with the organisers and the people you have met.
Send handwritten cards
Send handwritten thank you cards to people you feel you made a real connection with. Thank them for the time spent, the information they gave or acknowledge some other connection that was made.
Receiving a handwritten card in the mail is so unusual and personal that it delivers a powerful impression, far stronger than a quick e-mail might.
Book a 20-minute coffee appointment
If you have connected with someone at an event and you want to know more about them and their business, make an appointment with them for a 20-minute coffee break.
This is an easy appointment for most people to fit into their schedules. It indicates that you value their time and shows that you are genuine about wanting to find out more about them. When you contact them you might say, "I'd like to invite you for a 20-minute coffee so I can find out more about what you do. What day is most suitable for you?"
Make sure you honour the 20 minutes. At the 20-minute mark, I always stop the meeting and say, "I promised it would take only 20-minutes, so thank you for your time." At this point, the person you are with is able to choose whether they want to end the meeting or continue.
Send a thank-you to the event organiser
Take the time to thank the organisers of the event, let them know why you found it valuable and include your business card in the envelope. There is a lot of time and energy that goes into organising events and people appreciate you taking the time to acknowledge that.
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