Time Management Techniques for Effective Business Networking and Relationship Building
Have you ever been to a networking event and felt like the conversation was going nowhere or that your goal of meeting new people seemed unattainable because of time constraints? If so, then you need to read this article carefully. Here, I'll show you how to use time management techniques for effective business networking and relationship building.
Time seems to be a big factor in your life as it is with many people these days - it's not uncommon for busy professionals (especially those who have become more adept at multitasking) are faced with mounting workloads while feeling overworked. The result is a lack of time for anything else, including getting out and meeting new people.
So how do you make the most of your time at networking events? This article will give you some great ideas on how to be more effective with your time and get the most out of networking situations.
Set goals when you go to a networking event. Before going to a meeting or event, set goals specific to what you want to accomplish and write them down. Write down specific people you want to meet and give yourself an amount of time with each person. Next, determine the top three things you want to accomplish during the time you're there. You'll be amazed at how much more productive you will be as well as how much more fun the networking/meeting becomes.
Arrive early. Always arrive early to any networking event or meeting. This gives you time to scope out the location and become familiar with your surroundings. It also allows you time to rest, relax and prepare mentally for what lies ahead. Finally, it allows you to do a final check of your clothing before going into a meeting or event where people expect a certain level of professionalism.
Take notes constantly. Keep a pen and paper with you at all times - especially when you are at a networking event. Write down anything you want to remember about the people you meet, their business, their interests and what they have to say. I love taking notes because it helps me remember everything that was said and done when I'm writing blog posts or articles in my down time. It also helps when I look back on a situation after the fact.
Find out what people do, not what they say they do. When meeting someone for the first time, try asking more open-ended questions instead of closed ones (you know - those kind of questions that can be answered with a yes or no). Give the person a chance to talk about something other than what the first question is, as this will give you insight into their personality. A good example of this is to ask someone how they started their business and what kind of problems they've encountered along the way. This will give you a much better idea of who they are as a person and how their business is structured.
Listen more than you talk. People will tell you that listening more than talking is important, and it's true. However, try to learn as much about the person as you talk. Find out what they're passionate about and what drives them. They'll enjoy telling you this because it's more personal than what most people tend to ask people upfront.
Find out how many people they've helped and how long they've been in business. Many non-profits have you fill out a survey after networking with them so that they can know how effective their events were or what needs they could provide for their community. Take advantage of it if you have the time.
Use apps. There are many great smartphone applications available that make networking easier, more efficient and fun. These include the Meeting Maker (by Tambotv) and Event Buddy (by Docstoc). These are free applications that let you navigate events, find venues and make announcements. They help you organize your daily schedule so that you can focus on what's important at the time of day or week when different events happen.
Be proactive in your networking efforts . Don't wait for someone to approach you - but if they do, great! Ask them open-ended questions about their company/business and why they're at the event or meeting they're at.
Remember, the main objective of networking is to help and direct people who need it. Also, to be a good networker you must first be a good listener and a good adviser. As you network and build relationships with other professionals, remember this - you never know who in your network may have access to what you're looking for.
Networking takes commitment - not just an hour or two each month but all of your time every day. Once you start doing this on a daily basis, you'll start finding ways to make networking pay off for the small time investment (plus very little money) that's required of you.
Applying for and getting that dream job is a serious undertaking, but the payoff can be huge.
What can you do to make sure you stand out in the crowd?
The best way to make sure you get a job is to approach it not with fear, but with excitement. You may be thinking... How can I feel excited about a career change? Successful people make decisions based on reasons that are rational, and not emotional. They base their decision on what's best for them, rather than what's best for someone else. They feel excitement because they know they have control over their own destiny. By using this formula, employers will notice your enthusiasm and will be more inclined to bring you on board.
Conclusion
Stand out in the crowd, you must. If you want to get a job, a promotion or just a raise, it's important for you to be different from everyone else. Here are some quick tips to get the ball rolling...
Have fun with applications and forms. If there's a space for personal information, have fun with it. Your name is your brand: can you come up with cool ideas that tie into your name? It's also good to have fun with fonts, colors and even photos - especially if they're related to what industry you're in! Don't be dull and boring like everyone else.
If there's a space for personal information, have fun with it.