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The benefits of face-to-face networking, the do's and don'ts when attending

This month I've decided to jump back into face-to-Face networking to help boost my company profile locally and to connect with new, other local like minded business owners. With a little help from AI I've compiled a short list of do's and don'ts when attending business networking meetings and I hope you find them useful.

Building relationships:

It's much easier to build trust and rapport with someone when you're meeting them in person. You can get to know them on a more personal level and learn more about their interests and goals.

Generating leads:

Face-to-face networking is a great way to generate leads for your business or career. When people get to know you and like you, they're more likely to refer you to their colleagues and friends.

Learning new things:

Face-to-face networking is a great way to learn about new trends and developments in your field. You can also get advice from other people and learn from their experiences.

Finding new job opportunities:

Many job opportunities are never advertised. Face-to-face networking is a great way to hear about hidden job openings and connect with people who can help you get your foot in the door.

If you're new to face-to-face networking, here are a few do's and don'ts to keep in mind:

Do: Be prepared: Before you go to a networking event, take some time to think about what you want to say. Have a brief elevator pitch ready to introduce yourself and your business or career goals.

Do: Be friendly and approachable: Smile, make eye contact, and introduce yourself to new people. Be genuinely interested in learning about others and what they do.

Do: Ask questions: People love to talk about themselves, so ask questions to get to know them better. Be sure to follow up and listen carefully to their answers.

Do: Be yourself: Don't try to be someone you're not. People can spot a fake from a mile away. Be genuine and authentic, and people will be more likely to connect with you.

Do: Follow-up: After you meet someone at a networking event, send them a follow-up email or LinkedIn message. This is a great way to stay in touch and start building a relationship.

Don't: Talk about yourself too much: Networking is a two-way street. Be sure to ask questions and learn about the other person. Don't dominate the conversation by talking about yourself all the time.

Don't: Be too pushy: Don't try to sell something to everyone you meet. Networking is about building relationships, not making a quick sale.

Don't: Neglect your old contacts: It's important to nurture your existing relationships as well as building new ones. Make time to connect with your old contacts on a regular basis.

Don't: Be afraid to follow up: If you meet someone at a networking event and you're interested in getting to know them better, don't be afraid to follow up. Send them a follow-up email or LinkedIn message and invite them to coffee or lunch.

Face-to-face networking is a great way to build relationships, generate leads, learn new things, and find new job opportunities. If you're not already doing it, I encourage you to start. Just remember to be yourself, be genuine, and be respectful of other people's time.