Tales of Valuable Connections

This week we have the Sydney Business Networking Event coming up – as it does every month. It has made me reflect on what really happens at these events and how I see people’s businesses grow as a direct result.

Do people come and pitch? Not quite – and thank goodness for that. Instead what happens when people in the room connect first and pitch another time, the trust is built that leads to forging of real valuable relationships. And no pitching is required.

Pushing a sale is replaced by the attraction to buy.

There is no doubt that business is made at many of our events, deals are struck, new clients are found. But the far bigger potential is in the businesses that are built. Joint ventures, Partnerships and more. The type that lasts for years that builds real business equity.

That’s also why Presentation Success is on again this week (last time was 10 months ago). How to present yourself. How to plan ahead before an event, so you truly leverage those new relationships. So both sides win, and win big.

We see people come to many events like The Sydney Business Networking Event, but not really reap the full benefit. Here’s my quick checklist to get you ready

• Be armed with conversation starters. It’s not about a 30-second pitch, it’s about a natural conversation that builds trust. The rest flows easily from there
• Have a great-looking and welcoming Linkedin page. Yes, people will check you out if they just met you. Is your 2nd impression as good as your first?
• Offer value. In the room, in your follow-up, on your web site. It makes you irresistible to your prospects; of course they’d want to do business with you, when you do.
• Follow-up. I hear too many stories of no following up. You built the rapport over a glass of wine or over a breakfast. Build on that and grab the phone.
• Come with an open mind. Don’t go hunting for clients. Instead be open to any great opportunity that may show up in your path. And be delighted when it does.

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The Sydney Business Networking Event is Sydney’s premier business networking event held in partnership with Bendigo Bank in the heart of the CBD. Book here: http://businessconnector.com.au/sydney-business-networking-monthly/

Presentation Success is a specialist MasterClass to give you the tools to be your best whether at one-on-one meetings, in front of a big crowd, at an expo or in front of a camera. Limited spaces: http://www.businessconnector.com.au/grow-your-business-the-sydney-masterclass/