Early in my 20s, I entered a room of a professional networking group full of mostly males at least twice or three times my age. Knowing just what I wanted, I arrived at this event. I wanted to meet possible business partners who would enable me to grow my company.
There were practically any women at business networking events at the time, so I used to routinely network inside well-established networks (also known as old guys clubs).
I just discovered it online, paid for it, and arrived at this event without knowing a soul. You felt small and inferior when you first entered the room, but I knew I was on a mission and there was nothing going to stop me. I so resolved to be strategic and perceptive.
I am writing about this one solitary occurrence more than ten years later since it altered the course of my career. So what did I do at this occasion that altered my life?
1. Get To Know The Host Of The Event
The first thing that happened at this event was the host approached me and asked me questions about what I do and what I am searching for. In my polite but positive voice I informed the host precisely what I did and what I was seeking for. This helped the host understand my needs and start connecting me with the proper folks in the room.
2. Know Why You Are Networking
The second element that lead me to succeed at this specific event was me understanding exactly why I was at this event and who I needed to connect with.
As a woman in business networking online or in-person it helps being assertive about what you are seeking for and having a clear aim. Because many events can be overcrowded and have a diversity of people, if you are not very clear on your goals or who your ideal connections are, you will probably end up wasting a lot of time and walking away from the event with no results or valuable connections that could lead to new opportunities.
I arrived into this event knowing about my final aim and I knew precisely what I was searching for.
3. Have A Clear Pitch Or Conscious Introduction
In my early 20’s when I established my first firm, an innovative water purification / vending machines for schools and colleges with a mission to decrease plastic waste, I used to attend 3-5 events per week. So by the time I went what might have been a very scary event, I already knew my pitch, I already had professional brochures with me and I knew precisely how to get my message across in a way that was compelling enough for people to ask more questions.
4. Scout The Room, Listen And Ask Outstanding Questions
By nature I am not someone who who uses too many words, but I am a wonderful listener which comes tremendously in when it comes to networking. Whenever you are networking take the time to watch the room, listen to the conversations currently happening, read the body language and when you do find the opportunity to jump in and network, ask fantastic questions and begin new discussions. By asking questions you allow people to shine and everyone enjoys talking about themselves. This offers you the opportunity to learn about them and come back with a nicely positioned reaction or introduction.
Another fantastic method to wind up networking is to write a follow-up email afterward. This way you keep top of mind with the people you want to network with as well as continue frequent communication with them. For additional information on how to send a spectacular follow-up email, read this post!
Read Also: 10 Tips For Early Stage Startup
5. Always Be Opportunity Ready
At this life changing occasion, something occurred. At the last minute the event host said to me – Raimonda, I have someone I would want to introduce you to, he has more than 30 years expertise in the field you are seeking for help in. He is an investor and someone who would be wonderful for your firm.
Right that second my heart fell, I smiled and I said I am READY. Moments later, I was chatting to my most crucial link yet. But, he came around and said – I am so sorry, I just have 2 minutes and I have to leave to catch my train. I responded no problem, I showed my brochure in his hands, made my fast pitch and out he went.
I didn’t anticipate much after this interaction, but to my surprise, few days later I got an email from his assistant. Dear Raimonda, John would very much want to meet you.
This was the moment my professional career changed. Making this one connection at this event, landed me so much more than I was expected. It did not land me an investment, but it provided me a mentor who taught me all about investing and business. He taught me all there is to know about building and scaling a business. He taught me everything about locating and communicating to investors. He showed me how to structure my business appropriate for investment and so much more.
As a consequence of this one encounter, I got to work with some of the most outstanding IT businesses in London, I got to sit at round tables with investors and Venture Capital firms with millions and billions of dollars under their belts.
My first business may have never received the financing I would have expected it to have, but this one event, one meeting has given me experience and post first-failure career that I needed.
This one event has lead me on a road of building this very group and women in business networking events.
So, today I want you to open yourself to possibilities and establish more significant contacts, keep constant and be eager to networking.
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