Building a Strong Social Network Through Live Events

June 25, 2012 - PRLog -- When creating a new relationship, there is no better way than a solid handshake while looking directly in the other person's eyes. Face to face networking helps solidify a new relationship.

Here are some tips on how to use face to face networking, or Live Networking, as I like to call it, to help build your LinkedIn Network.

1.Make sure to bring plenty of business cards, no handouts, postcards or flyers unless there is a table to place them on.  Remember, Success is when preparation meets opportunity; you are always only one contact away from your greatest success. Always be prepared. Here's a look at our actual event below http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nTsg8Nj3xk



2.Networking is creating relationships, not making a sales call, that's the reason we do not use anything but business cards. This is where most people  make a mistake. Your goal is to create the beginning of a business relationship, not to make a sale call. Simply meet other like minded business professionals, introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and ask what the person does, also get to know the person not only the business. Ask if their married, about kids and such, let them speak and listen carefully. Next give a short introduction of what you do and what sets you aside from everyone else (Your Elevator Pitch). When leaving your new contact, turn their card over and jot down a key personal note, as in 2 kids Matt and Anne, or just moved to Philly. This is important for the next step.

3.When returning from the event, take your business cards and invite your new contact to be your Linkedin and other social media connections.

4.The Fortune is in The Follow Up! Most importantly, make sure to follow up with everyone you have meet within 48-72 hours. The faster you follow up with them, the more they will remember, so the sooner the better. This is where you can use the information on the back of the card to connect to them, people don't care what you know until they know you care. Now you have more of an opportunity to get to know them and how you can help them grow their business and yours as well with what you have to offer them and what they have to offer you. This can be in form of direct business, or referrals. Either way, it a Win-Win, and the beginning of a strong business relationship.

To see this in action come to The Ultimate Networking Event's Summer of Connections http://theultimatenetworkingeventsummer-prlog.eventbrite.com