A simple handshake can translate into agreements and contacts. But how to network during a business trip?
Today, more than ever, opening the horizons of your company is essential to achieving company objectives, increasing brand reputation, becoming competitive and more attractive. To do this it is important to cultivate the network of relationships of your employees, with people in the sector, potential customers or stakeholders of various kinds. Participating in events, seeking new business opportunities and being inspired by innovative ideas is a necessity for personal growth and business development. Especially for entrepreneurs, making acquaintances during a business trip determines the true success of the trip. A simple handshake can translate over time into agreements, commercial contacts, notoriety and training. Here you are some tips for networking during a business trip.
Identify the right industry event
Where to go to meet the right people? It’s the first question to ask yourself. Certainly conferences, meetings and trade fairs are the most suitable occasions, but it is not possible to participate in all of them. So the first tip is carefully select the right events where you can seize business opportunities. During the days of the events you can meet company CEOs, start-up creators and experts who can illustrate new strategies to adopt or trends to keep an eye on.
Do you really know your business?
The people you meet will definitely ask you questions about your company. Would you really be able to answer in a convincing and exhaustive manner? It’s not an obvious question. Especially if it is a large company, it is important that you know the projects in progress, the company vision and mission, the policies and services proposed in detail. Therefore, before leaving, inform yourself and study every aspect of your business. So you can talk confidently with potential partners, suppliers and consultants. If you are confident in yourself and your words, you will convey a good impression and increase the chances of starting new collaborations.
How to introduce yourself? Show off your business card now
We just talked about security to be reliable. But it’s not enough to know your company well. You should meet as many people as possible and introduce yourself to pave the way for new connections. But how to break the ice? Starting a conversation is always a gamble. Asking for information about the interlocutor’s company, or complimenting them on an intervention… but also noticing a nice detail in their clothing are effective moves to start a conversation.
Immediately afterwards, pull out the real ace up your sleeve: the business card. It is not at all an old-fashioned accessory, rather it is a vehicle for networking in a concrete way, getting straight to the point. The business card gives you more opportunities to share company information, leaving a lasting impression on your interlocutors. What’s more, the card instantly makes you appear professional and trustworthy (as well as immediately featuring your company logo). A further tip: bring lots of business cards because the real challenge in networking during a business trip is to distribute the highest number of business cards. And above all: collect the business cards of all the people you have met!
Be curious about your interlocutors
Once you have broken the ice with industry professionals, don’t risk turning the conversation into a monologue. It would definitely be counterproductive. Let them talk and actually ask questions; show yourselves involved because showing yourself interested says much more than many words.
Ask simple questions like “How was the journey?”, “What brought you to this event?”, “What motivated you to enter this industry?”, etc. They seem like superfluous questions, but the message they convey is that you are really interested in getting to know the other person and, what’s more, only in this way could you find common topics to discuss. However, when the conversation comes to an end, don’t forget to thank the interlocutor for the ideas and advice received.
Have a professional look
The dress really makes the monk. In fact, appearance is the first thing you notice in people and that somehow creates their label. Furthermore, each context requires its own appropriate look. At networking events you need to dress professionallybut also suitable for the event. For example, if you are attending a business networking event attended by senior executives, as well as CEOs or VIPs, you should opt for formal or semi-formal attire. By dressing professionally, you will create a good impression on others, you will convey the idea of a competent, confident person who knows how to adapt to various contexts.
Follow up on every meeting
But how to follow up the meeting? For example, sending a personalized message on LinkedIn or an email within 1 or 2 days of the meeting. Alternatively, you can call people you know directly and ask them if they could meet you for a coffee and discuss further.
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Photo credit RDNE Stock project