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Have you ever attended an event and been pounced on by someone trying to “get” you as a client?
Or you’ve meet someone who seems like a great collaboration partner, only the opportunity fizzles soon after the event?
Or you’re having lunch at a table of high energy, enterprising women and you feel like the odd-girl out, too new and too shy to effectively connect with these movers-and-shakers?
If you’re attending an event this season, then you’re likely surrounding yourself with the best of potential collaboration partners, along with people who would love to recommend you to others, and yes, potentially even new clients.
The trick is to know how to present yourself from a place of confidence and clarity, and to know how to take advantage of the fabulous opportunities live events give you…without coming across as cheesy or desperate.
Attending events can change the course of your business almost overnight. So here are my 5 favorite tips on how to confidently, authentically and ethically take advantage of your opportunities to grow your business. Which tip do YOU like best?
Tip #1 Be Brief And Be Believable
The high energy of an event intensifies everything. When asked what you do, instead of giving a 30 second or even longer explanation, keep it to about 15 seconds. If that feels impossible, use this example as your guideline:
“I work with women entrepreneurs, helping them to charge what they’re worth and get it.”
If you’re still trying to figure out exactly what you do, don’t succumb to one of those long, rambling, “everything but the kitchen sink” types of introductions. Keep it simple, don’t try to get to esoteric, and keep breathing as you speak. Your confidence in communicating this important message will go a long way towards impressing your listener.
Tip #2 Speak Slowly Please
Be sure to take a turn asking a question at the mic but do say your name, your business name and your url s-l-o-w-l-y so that everyone can hear and absorb what you’re saying. By doing so you’ll be surprised by how many people will want to connect with you later.
Tip #3 Take The Initiative With Your Intention
What is the outcome you want to create from your event networking? The key is to be specific so that you’re assured of achieving your outcome. Here are several excellent options to choose from:
- Meet someone who will interview you for their list
- Meet someone who will recommend their clients to you
- Connect with someone who can introduce you to a resource you’ve been needing (think book publisher, virtual assistant, collaborator, web designer, etc.)
- Connect with a colleague
- Be noticed by the event host and get on their radar (this is a perfect reason to attend live events if you want to connect more closely later on with the host)
- Explore the event host as your next mentor
Tip #4 You’re There To Give, Not To “Get”
Showing up at an event with order forms for your program is not only tacky, it sends a message of desperation, or worse, greediness. That includes leaving stacks of flyers or business cards on tables.
Instead, if you meet someone who is a potential client, simply follow the “After/2″ rule, which is, to make plans to connect after the event, and at least 2 miles away from the event location. This will keep you in integrity with the event host and your potential new client.
Tip #5 Figure Your Fortune Is In The Follow-Up
While the excitement at an event is high, it’s the follow up that will make your fortune. All you need to do is collect business cards and let your new partner know you’ll be happy to follow up with them. A simple email or phone call a couple of days after the event, focused on setting up a time to talk is all you need to keep the energy and commitment to collaborating going. You’ll be truly astonished at how many opportunities you can create for your business following this one simple step!
It only takes ONE meaningful connection to more than pay you back your investment in attending an event. Let me show you…
Let’s say you meet someone with even a small list of just 300 people. They love what you’re up to and agree to interview you for their list. Out of that opportunity 5 people contact you and 3 hire you. Now you’re on your way to easily adding more clients and more cash flow to your business!
