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Good post Elaine. It’s funny but I always use this situation to explain Twitter to some companies. That’s the feeling. They sign up and they start using Twitter as a news wall, trying to sell all their products to everybody. Exactly what happened there.
One thing that works very well for me and saves a lot of time is proactively connecting with people on LinkedIn. Before we split I always ask if they are on LinkedIn. If they are not, I’ll be the first one to introduce them to a very valuable network. If they are, they’ll get my invitation immediately.
After that, it becomes a lot easier for me to keep track of my network and for those that do use LinkedIn well, it’ll become a lot simpler to follow my activity as well

Sean Gallagher also has a natural charisma that people gravitate towards. Anytime I’ve met him, I’ve observed how he shows a wam and genuine interest in people and really listens to them, even if they have nothing to offer him in terms of networking. We all know the type of networker who is talking to you (talking not listening!) with one eye on the room to see if there is anyone more “important” they “should” be talking to! I am instantly turned off by this behaviour and have no interest in connecting with them after this. Genuiness and warmth will always win through for me at any networking event – both on and off line.

Great honest tips and observations Elaine.
Networking events can be hard going because people are trying the hard sell and thinking of persuasion techniques. Networking is social, its a chance to have a chat. I always find that I prefer a twenty minute meaningful conversation and within 7 days I’ve met someone else who I refer the contact too.

Esp love the bit about following up and staying in contact. Build something more long-term online and keep each other informed of events of interest etc.

Awesome tips!

Approaching such events with a calm state of mind and not from a place of neediness helps me to genuinely connect with the people I meet. It is important for me to have meaningful conversations rather than rush through meeting as many people as I can. When I organize I events I like to use social media so people can connect with each other even before and after the event.

Thanks Elaine, great points! I’ve also found it helpful to go with an objective, i.e, have at least 3 real conversations (depending on size of event), send follow up emails referencing your conversation and make at least 1 follow up meeting within a week of the event (even if it may not be a direct customer, you never know what may come of the meeting).

Elaine, loved the analogy of an AA meeting! The thing that’s missing at networking that tends to be more present in a support group is the desire to connect. As someone who is naturally introverted, networking is NOT my favorite thing to do. I recently worked with a marketing coach and she suggested that I go with the idea of service. After thinking, “Doh! Why didn’t I think of that?!” I realized that this made more sense and used my strengths.

If we go with the mindset of stopping, listening and finding out of we can be of service, we put out a personal and professional brand that is in keeping with who we are naturally. We can even support this when we gently and firmly disengage with those networkers who aren’t a good match. In the end, it’s how we leave people feeling about us.

It was the fact that he paid full attention I think Marie, for me to realise why people do well in business, they listen, and this creates a comforting feeling in the other person, they feel listened to and empowered, and much more relaxed. Seán asked me at one point: Elaine, what should I say to these people? I said “Just be yourself”. However in that moment, one would be forgiven for thinking he had no speech ready, and was looking for direction – natural charisma indeed!

I agree with your observation about the wandering eye, there was a really funny video of that also (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvaiM2cOdhQ), but I preferred the one above.

Thanks for sharing a very valid point Marie, sounds like you are also oozing with charisma

Barney,
Loving your last line there – I made my own name tag for Cork Meet 2010, and on the bottom had “Nice to meet you at CORKMEET” with a smilie face. Every person I spoke to commented on it, as it stood out from the rest, which were issued as part of the conference packs.

I always note on a card where I met that person. Someone recommended to me once to write something to remind me of the person, so I wrote once “random guy met outside the conf room” on one, and “Red hair, loves talking all things IT” on another at a particular event. The only problem there, is that I wanted to refer the second one, and had to scribble out my remarks quickly whilst handing over the card.
But if someone gives me two cards, they can add up quickly.

Someone else has printed on the back of their card – “let’s have a cup of coffee” Very tempting lol

LinkedIn seems to be the obvious follow up when meeting at an event. From the comments here so far, it has become quite an acceptable and great way to follow through from a person to person meeting. Thanks for sharing!

One BIG downside to online networking I have noticed is, that for some, it has taken over from real time meeting. The harsh reality, is that no-one is exactly like they are when online. That is why it is vital to meet other business people in the “real world”, and see them in their own skin (literally).

I have been involved with social media for over 2 years on a daily basis, and I can safely say, unless you meet people for real, there is really no “true” relationship there, business or otherwise.

The trick is to find networking events that suit you and your business. It sounds like a less formal setting would suit you. Talk to your local associates and Chamber of Commerce to see what’s available to you, and break yourself in VERY gently.

One thing to always remember, is that there is no-one better than you there, everyone is in the same boat – no-one really loves networking, some are just better at it than others. And remember, practice does help, the more you do it, the less daunting it seems each time

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it’s important to take it step by step. This has been my experience. Years ago when I was networking, I had terrible experiences and it turned me off for a long time.

Indeed Niall, and this resonates with what we have discussed before, about building personal branding. I am finding of late, that people have heard of me when I meet them at a networking event, and I do feel it is because as small business owners, we are our business (Seán Gallagher would say “You are NOT your business”) in that people will remember more our name than the name of our business.
Strangely enough, the name of my business creates a great opener for conversations in networking events. And people love the story behind it, but you are right – they will remember me more!

Outstanding Elaine. All great reminders, especially the video. It made me smile. We’ve all done that I suspect!!

Thanks Niall, I agree in some cases it can actually damage business, particularly if customer comments are ignored.

E-Business systems naturally have greater security risks than traditional business systems, therefore it is important for e-business systems to be fully protected against these risks. A far greater number of people have access to e-businesses through the internet than would have access to a traditional business. Customers, suppliers, employees, and numerous other people use any particular e-business system daily and expect their confidential information to stay secure. Hackers are one of the great threats to the security of e-businesses.

 Individuals were not getting the significant, good paying tasks that just a few years prior were numerous. Many individuals were losing their houses and going starving. The currency markets had been seeing ancient decreases, property principles were decreasing, lack of employment was increasing, and blowing up was increasing. It was looking bad.

Happy New Year Ben,

I would agree about the green shoots, even if it is just being “tired” of being “in” recesion, the general feeling I get is, Yes, it is time to start making some progress. The financial vibe in Ireland presently is definitely positive, whether in business, employment or property.

And to agree specifically with your point 2 – some SM virgins need to realise for themselves, that likes and follower numbers do not count for interaction and engagement. A painful lesson at times, but necessary.
Here’s to more opportunities, more money, more customers, and more interactive engagement in 2013

Hi Elaine, a regular question I ask is: would you rather 100 committed followers who comment regularly or 1,000 likes? It is an excellent way to frame a discussion and help people understand where they want to go with social. There is no right answer, but it is always good to clarify the goal from day one

Thanks Elish – I have found that Finance departments really appreciate it when people come and explain what they are doing rather than trying the hard sell. If you ask for their help it can really go a long way and give you insights into the organisation you cannot get elsewhere

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Thanks Keith. Great site – I see you already have subscribe and feedburner info so you are well on the way. I had the same yet I was getting nowhere, so I highlighted them using a plugin and now I am starting to highlight the benefits to users of signing up. It is early days but feedback from users has been very positive. I love your phrase ‘no pestpassing’

Great post Ben,

You followed all your own advice – well done!

I enjoyed – Emulate. Practise. Refine. Repeat. – it is so tempting to fall into the imitate hole when we find great blogs and ideas – challenge is to stay true to our own personalities when researching and writing – I read a tip a few days ago about rehashing older (and still relevant) blog posts – what’s your thinking on that?

Hi Elaine – Thanks! Consider bringing a new perspective to an old problem, by all means – perhaps using a different format rather than just a straightforward re-hash of a post. The way users consume information is constantly changing so consider translating to video, or incorporating in a wider series via an eBook or Howto Guide. Also, be sure to use the ‘most read’ plug-in to keep relevant posts on the landing page. If it ain’t broke………

Hi Ben,

Such a great points you have here. Precisely, It takes many steps to succeed especially in business blogging. The first thing to do is your content. The content could take many forms-written articles, visual media like images, infographics and video. The way you choose to present content will vary depending on your industry. Engage your audience and keep them participate to come back for more. Bloggers should practice constantly and become persistent to have a better business blog.