Three Great Conversation Starters for Business Networking:

• Try starting with “Guess What”
  
• Lead with “By the Way”
• Ask someone about themselves… “What do you do?”
  

Work Smart Tips brought to you by Will Sherwood at The Sherwood Group.

Conversation Starters for Business Networking

Business networking starts with good conversation. Remember that when you are networking in person or online you will want to be approachable, likable, confident and friendly. The idea behind starting a good conversation is not to hard sell someone that you just met, but instead get to know them and communicate with them in a positive and friendly way.

Business networking is your introduction to building a relationship with regular people just like you that are looking to meet more people. It is not a scenario for unhappy people or hard sales tactics. Take the time to listen and pay attention. Contact me for a one-on-one session to build your networking skills.

What are some reasons to spark a conversation?

Give yourself the opportunity to meet people that do business in your community. Attend networking events hosted locally in your city or town. Be personable and be kind. Don’t lie or be fake. Act like yourself and not like something that you’re not. If you are not genuine when you meet knew people they will often sense that and believe that they cannot trust you. Trust is what builds relationships that turn into sales for your business. Don’t waste your time being a fraud. Business networking builds business sales, don’t mess it up. Your reputation is on the line.

Business Networking Etiquette

Network with people that live in your area and are doing business near you. Business networking is an effective way to create great relationships and a pipeline of sales for your business, follow these tips:

1. Meet 3 new people every day.
2. Attend 3 networking events every month.
3. Be likable, honest and trustworthy.
4. Have confidence.
5. Use good posture.
6. Use great eye contact.
7. Perfect a strong, solid, handshake.

Many young entrepreneurs and small business owners that struggle to get new business are not spending enough time meeting people and networking. Meet at least 3 new business people every single day that you are working.

Learn more about Great Conversation Starters and Business Networking

Read these articles on business networking from The Sherwood Group.

Face-to-Face Business Networking

When you are building your business and you wear all the hats, juggling time to network can be tough. BUT, there are no excuses on why you cannot take 15-30 minutes twice each week to attend a networking lunch or dinner event in your community. Meeting people that own a local business is the best resource for building clients or local customers.

Always be a person that people enjoy being around. If you are seen as arrogant, rude or mean then people will not want to associate you and they will not want to do business with you. Don’t be a jerk. Be kind and people will learn to like you.

The more that you become a fan of your clients and prospects, the more organic referrals that you will receive for your business. Be nice, be genuine and be kind… That is the recipe to a great business network mindset and more business than you can handle by yourself!

Harnessing the power of business networking can make all the difference in your business. If you want to learn more expert marketing tips for online marketing using LinkedIn, contact us at The Sherwood Group.

This article is published by Will Sherwood | The Sherwood Group |Website Design | Graphic Design | Marketing Communications: The Sherwood Group has over 30 years of experience working with all sorts of companies, small and large. Our clients range from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 firms, in nearly every business sector, from across the street to around the world (and yes, even Europe, China, and South America). Our goal is to create advertising,  graphic design, website design, and marketing communication that still looks fresh and relevant 10-15 years later. Our mission is to stir your imagination and leave your competition shaken and wondering,  Now what do we do?”  We are located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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