WATCH THIS SPACE! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Setting up Liz\nTaylor Consultancy has been a whirlwind of new events, people and amazing\nopportunities. I am having a fabulous time doing something that I am\ntruly passionate about. And now to the next chapter in this journey; my\nblog. I\u2019ll be using this page to bring you my latest news, connections,\nbusiness wins and progress. And I have much to share \u2026 with incredibly exciting\nnews to be announced very soon. As they say, watch this space! I\u2019ll also\nbe bringing you the insider knowledge and my own brand of \u2018Liz Taylor\u2019 wisdom;\nacquired over my 30-year career (please don\u2019t attempt the maths) am beginning\nby writing about something that I am asked about a lot: how to get the most out\nof a networking event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a businesswoman\nI\u2019ve travelled the world, mingled with megastars to royalty and navigated\nalmost every problem you could imagine. It\u2019s fair to say I\u2019ve been around the\n\u2018business\u2019 block a few times. That\u2019s why I want to use this blog to share my\nexperiences, drive-forward best practise and inspire and empower women (and\nmen) who are embarking on their own journey. Whether that be in the events\nsector or starting out on their own adventure. Here goes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first topic is very dear to my heart – how to get the most out of a networking event. I always say that networking has been the key to my success. Whether it\u2019s on a plane, at a designated networking event, or even at one of my own events. I use any and every opportunity to build up my contacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those who\u2019ve met me in person will know, I\u2019ve never been a shrinking violet. If I\u2019m at a networking event (or where-ever I am), I make it my mission to remember everybody\u2019s name and background before I leave. Usually with a fist full of business cards. I understand that, for some people, this doesn\u2019t come naturally. So here are some tips on how to get the most out of a networking event that I\u2019ve picked up along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As with most business skills, preparation is your secret weapon for getting the most out of a networking event. My first tip is to always contact the event organiser beforehand to find out which delegates will be attending. They may not give you full names and contact details, but at the very least you should get an indication of the companies that are being represented and job titles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before I attend a networking event, I use this delegates list to create my own \u2018hit list\u2019. The top five or ten contacts that I absolutely must meet. It\u2019s a technique that will give you real focus and limit your time stuck in conversations that aren\u2019t useful. Sounds ruthless but remember, you\u2019re here to further your business. Making friends is secondary and you can be focused without being rude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking of which, another key preparation for a networking event is to have your conversation \u2018in\u2019 and \u2018out\u2019 ready. Come armed with some conversation openers. And your 30 second elevator pitch rehearsed, ready to trip off the tongue. If you\u2019ve done your research, you can throw in a compliment when you meet people. Such as \u2018I really love your business idea, please tell me more about how you started out\u2019. Or \u2018I\u2019ve heard great things about your company, tell me more about what you do.\u2019 What an opener – and who doesn\u2019t love to be complimented?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More importantly, have your escape route planned. We\u2019ve all been there, stuck in a polite, even interesting, but ultimately fruitless conversation at a networking event. Usually when the contact who could really drive your business forward is just a few feet away. Here, having a means to leave the conversation is your secret weapon. Try phrases such as \u2018I have taken up lots of your time and I am sure you want to meet other people, let me call you and we can carry on our conversation over coffee\u2019. Or \u2018It\u2019s been lovely to meet you. I am keen to speak to a couple of other guests whilst I have them in the room, so I will let you go but will drop you a LinkedIn message to catch up again.\u2019 They seem to give me an \u2018out\u2019 and chance to move on to talk with other people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nerves at a networking event are often a big factor in why people fail to achieve their objectives. Good networking takes practise, so if you\u2019re nervous, try attending some smaller networking events and build up your technique. A practical tip is to hold your drink in your left hand so that your right hand is free to shake – this saves any awkward juggling, which can get the conversation off on the wrong foot. And always avoid the food if you can!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In overcoming nerves at a networking event, there\u2019s a lot to be taken from the phrase \u2018fake it before you make it\u2019. Try to front out your nerves with confident body language. Have a firm handshake, a confident stance and always look people in the eye as you greet them. Be ready with a way to spark conversation on their side such as saying: \u2018tell me a bit more about what you do\u2019. This shifts the focus to them and gives you chance to get rid of your nervous energy. Before you know it, you\u2019ll be in the flow of conversation and your initial nerves will be gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you\u2019ve worked that room, the most important part of getting the most out of a networking event is the follow up. Who\u2019s guilty of taking a stack of business cards, shoving them in a drawer and they never see the light of day again? Following up is essential to successful networking. I usually do it as soon as I get back to the office and before I start ANYTHING else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Technology can help \u2013 if you have LinkedIn app use this instead of business cards, then you are connected in real time. Send a message while you\u2019re still with the person if that helps to strike up that all important follow up conversation. If you\u2019re confident enough you can really show off your business savvy by walking people through the Bluetooth \u2018nearby contacts\u2019 function. It allows everyone in the room to instantly connect, with the bonus that you\u2019ll be remembered as the person who showed them how it\u2019s done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n