Have you attended one of our NSIDE Business Mixers? NSIDE Business Journal and NSIDE MD hold networking mixers every other month. The purpose is two–fold: To launch the latest issue, and connect the local business community. As more and more people attend these events, the more fertile the networking soil becomes. I hope this article will allow you to deep dig and soak up all you can at each event. Let’s dig in! If you are skeptical about attending a mixer, remember what a wise businessman once said, “More business occurs during happy hour or on the golf course than any other time; yet there are still no MBA courses on this."
Whether you realize it or not, 80 percent of all jobs are found by networking. It is still the ultimate job search philosophy. This process allows you to establish a base of contacts through various social settings. Through your networking life line, you come into contact with a plethora of individuals. Anyone and everyone attending these events possess knowledge about your local business community. These events allow you to gain a wider sense of the local business of your city. Whether you need a job or want to find out ways that your business can complement another’s, here are a few tips for your next mixer.
1. LISTEN. Here is one of the keys to life: Ask people about themselves! Close your own mouth for awhile! When attending business networking events, always look for ways to learn from others. Most people enjoy talking about themselves and are at the event to promote themselves. And don’t worry! You will have time to talk about yourself later. And chances are – the person will be more likely to listen to you because you gave them a listening ear first! Ask as many questions as you can and learn as much as you can. People want to feel as though they have value. Make sure you clarify and confirm information throughout the conversation. This will show that you are actively listening. Stay alert for ways to connect. If the person mentions golf, you now have someone to call for your next tournament!
2. SHARE YOUR INFORMATION. After listening, inform people about yourself. If you are looking for a job, share this. If you are looking for a business partnership, share this. If you are looking to hire someone yourself, share this. If you are looking for a golf partner, share this! You might not see these people again, so don’t waste an opportunity. Most of the people at the event are looking for business opportunities. Don’t be afraid to state directly what you need or want; you might just get it!
3. GET CONTACT INFORMATION. Ask for a business card. Make sure it has an email or phone number, not just a website. Make a quick note on the back about something you spoke to that person about and later, you will be able to inquire about that same thing. This will show you were listening and are truly interested. Also, give your business card! Always attempt to trade a card for a card. Keep your wallet stocked. Never attend a networking event without a stack of your own business cards. Stay prepared.
4. FOLLOW–UP. This is the most important point of this article. Actually use that information you just got! Call the person or send a quick email. Try and state something special about the person or his/her business that you remember. Make it personal and include some information about yourself so they will remember you. Do this at least a day or two after you get the information. The longer you wait, the less likely you will follow–up. Don’t lose that job before you got it!
On a personal note, many of you know that I have headed to New York City to become a correspondent with the show Inside Edition. You can bet the first thing I will do when I start my job in the Big Apple – attend as many mixers as I can find! I know the value of getting to know people and developing quality business relationships. This is what first attracted me to Eliot and NSIDE Magazine. As a business community, I need you and you need me. We need each other. What a beautiful thing it is to connect with others.
Attending a networking mixer will benefit you in a variety of ways. Multi–million dollar deals have been hatched through the networking process. Bill Gates shared. “Never underestimate the power of commonality and endorsement.” You never know when an individual you met at an event will pass along a good word about you to a future client. Good friends are found at mixers. Future mates are found at mixers! So grab your business cards and head out the door! You’ve got some mixing to do!
Megan Alexander is a Correspondent for the national television show “Inside Edition” and lives in New York City. Before this, she was the morning traffic reporter for KENS 5 and co–host of “Great Day SA”. Megan speaks across the country and loves working with youth. She sits on the NEO Board of NSIDE. Contact MShra11110@aol.com
