It never ceases to amaze me how many people don’t know how to properly network. I have been in countless situations where people introduce themselves and then continue talking for 30 minutes about their products and services. They learn nothing about me, have no clue if I’m even interested, and completely fail at engaging me. I suppose these people think that there is some magical power behind talking. That if you just talk long enough, the listener will buy something. I throw away these people’s business cards.
Too often people “pitch” other people and fail to go through a simple process of finding out if the person is even interested.
Use these three simple steps to help prepare for business conversations and introductions:
- Craft your 10 second commercial. Not too long, just enough to be informative and create interest.
- Prepare 3 questions that could help you qualify your listener for future networking opportunities. Gauge if they’re a prospect, how “strong” a prospect they might be, or if they know someone who might be a prospect.
- Have 3 simple topics for chit-chat.This way you will be able to keep the conversation going if it reaches a low spot.
The best way for you to do business is to keep the chit-chat going and if you detect some interest, just follow these 3 steps.
- Simply ask for their card.
- Tell them you’ll contact them within the next few days to set a time to talk business
- Keep the rest of the conversation light.
