It is a brand new year and a new decade that will be filled with opportunities to network, meet new people and create new business deals.
If you are heading off to one of that business networking event this year, here are 8 ways to improve your networking opportunities while you are there.
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Make time before and after the event
Even though it feels good, jam-packing all your events in a single day, if you really want to improve your networking opportunities, it’s best you split your events into separate days. This is because networking is not as effective as you would expect when stuffed together in one day. And clearly, it can’t be effective because obviously, you won’t be able to plan the whole thing properly.
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Keep business cards or samples of your product or service with you
Contrary to the belief that business cards are no more pulling strings, if you want to improve your networking opportunities while preparing for an event, do well to go with your business cards. Business cards tell a whole lot about your business in one piece, and sharing those with the people in an event will certainly increase your networking opportunities.
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Get to the event early
You can only improve your opportunities for networking in an event by getting there early. Getting there early will help you maximize your time, and prepare to market your content or brand.
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Listen to the news
In other to blend well with the small talks at an event, which often leads to building a great link of the network between marketers, listen to the news daily and stay updated.
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Set a networking goal against the event and be prepared
It’s no news that setting goals are one of the ways of achieving one’s goal. Thus, before the event, think of the networking opportunities you’d love to make and work towards them. For example, if you’re expecting to meet with a group of children right activists, ensure that you prepare yourself by learning about children’s rights and so on.
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Give and receive positive vibes
One of the most crucial ways to improve your networking opportunities at an event is to always remain positive. Talking to people on a positive, and friendly tone is the key to amassing tons of networking.
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Follow up
After you have made your networking connections, don’t just go back home and sit on your promises. Work on them, so that they will know that you’re not just some commentator, but a man of your own words. Plus, ensure to keep tabs with them.
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Be open, not desperate
While you’re out trying your best to improve your ways of networking opportunities, always try not to look so desperate because desperation shows quickly in people. Stay calm, cool and collected.
In a nutshell, even though there are different ways to improve your network opportunities in your next event, it all balls down to how prepared you are, how positive and less desperate you appear. Play your cards right, and you’ll certainly gain some of the coolest networking opportunities.