| First there was speed dating - now speed | | | | industry; as long as it is something they can |
| networking - it's all about the numbers, | | | | use to increase their business. I have free |
| right? Maybe yes, maybe no. If you have an | | | | resources on my Link System and San Diego |
| ineffective approach, all the numbers in the | | | | Networking Guide websites - articles on |
| world won't help! (On either front!) I | | | | networking skills, networking event |
| recently attended my first speed event and I | | | | calendars, and lots of contacts to hook them |
| learned that to fully utilize this format, | | | | up with. DO NOT add them to your mailing list |
| preparation is in order. Speed networking is | | | | without their explicit permission. I am very |
| gaining in popularity and it works like this: | | | | careful to get their permission to send them |
| half of the participants are seated for the | | | | something. I tell them the name of the |
| entire event and the other half move from | | | | publication and when they can expect it. |
| seat to seat at regular intervals. Each | | | | Preparation is the key...know exactly who you |
| participant has a couple of minutes to | | | | need to meet, then ask for those contacts. |
| "pitch" to the other before moving on.No | | | | Being vague, general, or trying too hard to |
| matter what industry you are in, the odds | | | | sell your services to everyone one you talk |
| dictate that there will be very few people at | | | | to, will not produce the results you want. |
| any given event actively looking for the | | | | Offering to help others find the contacts |
| solution you provide with your product or | | | | they need will be an approach that will get |
| service. Whether or not you believe they | | | | their attention. You will be the only one |
| "need" your solution is another issue. I am | | | | asking these questions...AND the only one who |
| always dismayed when I encounter someone | | | | did not try to sell to them in two minutes or |
| trying to convince another, at a networking | | | | less!Copyright 2006 - Mindy J. Selinger. All |
| event, that they are in need of whatever | | | | Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: |
| product or service they are selling. No one | | | | You may reprint this article as long as you |
| likes to be on the receiving end of an | | | | leave all of the links active, do not edit |
| unwanted sales pitch. Here are some | | | | the article in any way, give author name |
| guidelines when attending a speed-networking | | | | credit and follow all of the EzineArticles |
| event:When they are pitching and you are | | | | terms of service for Publishers.Mindy |
| listening:Ask relevant questions about their | | | | Selinger is an authorized Link System trainer |
| business. Who is their best type of client? | | | | and a recognized authority on business |
| Who is their best referral partner? What type | | | | networking. She publishes The San Diego |
| of connections do they need to further their | | | | Networking Guide event calendars. The Link |
| business? Take notes on the back of their | | | | System is based on the popular book The |
| card and get back to them with any | | | | Millionaire's Handbook by Mel Kaufmann. |
| connections you can make. When you connect | | | | Kaufmann, of the former Wilshire Chamber of |
| them with someone who can be of value to | | | | Commerce, developed The Link System to teach |
| them, you will have a business friend for | | | | individuals and sales teams how to find and |
| life (if they are smart!). When you are | | | | build strong business relationships. The Link |
| pitching: (When possible, I let the other | | | | System utilizes a proprietary method of |
| person go first. The more I know about them, | | | | pre-qualifying questions, guided dialogue, |
| the better I can tailor what I say so that it | | | | and gentle interview techniques. Current |
| is relevant to them) The most important point | | | | Link System clients include Merrill Lynch |
| to get across is the solution you offer and | | | | Financial Services and Wachovia |
| who you offer it to. Minor details do not | | | | Securities.Ms. Selinger travels nationally |
| matter - not how long you have been in | | | | for speaking and training. Free resources, |
| business, not your dedication to customer | | | | including an audio that outlines the 4 |
| service or your location. Tell them your best | | | | pre-qualifying questions that are taught, can |
| type of client, your best referral partner | | | | be found at - For information on networking |
| and who you need to meet to further your | | | | events in the San Diego, CA area, please |
| business. Have something of value to give | | | | visit SanDiegoNetworkingGuide. |
| them. It does not have to be related to your | | | | |