As the owner of a startup, establishing connections is crucial for increasing brand awareness and gaining external support. These connections can evolve into mutually beneficial relationships as your business grows. While online technology and video conferencing platforms have become essential for remote communication, the value of meeting people in person should not be overlooked.
In this lesson, we’ll explore the benefits of face-to-face networking, provide tips for maximizing in-person interactions, and discuss strategies for nurturing and maintaining valuable relationships.
Meeting in person
While online tools have revolutionized connectivity, face-to-face meetings offer distinct advantages in building strong relationships. Consider the following benefits:
Enhanced communication
In-person meetings enable us to leverage non-verbal cues, body language, and facial expressions, which contribute significantly to effective communication. By observing and interpreting these signals in real-time, we can foster a deeper understanding and maintain a smooth flow of conversation.
Building trust and credibility
Meeting someone in person establishes a sense of trust and credibility that is challenging to replicate through virtual interactions alone. Direct contact allows individuals to form authentic impressions, strengthening the foundation for trust and fostering long-term relationships.
Establishing rapport
Face-to-face meetings provide an opportunity to go beyond professional facades and establish personal connections. Engaging in informal conversations, shared experiences, and casual encounters create genuine rapport, serving as the basis for future collaborations, referrals, and ongoing support within your network.
Maximizing face-to-face networking
While face-to-face networking can initially be intimidating, approaching it as a way to gain personal exposure and grow your business opens doors to valuable opportunities. Consider the following tips to make the most of in-person networking:
1. Set goals
Before attending networking events, establish specific goals aligned with your startup’s objectives. Whether it’s connecting with a certain number of people, initiating meaningful conversations, identifying potential collaborators or investors, or learning from industry experts, setting clear goals helps focus your networking efforts.
2. Preparation and research
Invest time in researching the event, attendees, speakers, or organizations involved. Familiarize yourself with individuals you aim to connect with, enabling more meaningful conversations, demonstrating genuine interest in their work, and finding common ground for further discussion.
3. Active listening
Practice active listening during in-person conversations. Focus attentively on the speaker, maintain eye contact, and show genuine interest in their perspective. Engage in thoughtful dialogue by asking relevant questions and offering meaningful contributions. Active listening demonstrates your curiosity and fosters a deeper connection with those you meet.
4. Effective follow-up
After meeting someone in person, take the initiative to follow up with a personalized email or connect with them on professional networking platforms. Reference the conversation or key points discussed to show your attentiveness and initiate further dialogue.
Maintaining and strengthening relationships
Networking extends beyond seeking new contacts; it involves nurturing existing connections. Consider the following strategies for maintaining and strengthening your relationships:
Selective relationship management
Differentiate between your target list, containing individuals or types of people you want to connect with (e.g., influencers in your sector or potential investors), and your current contacts. Choose relationships you wish to maintain and strengthen, and schedule regular phone calls or coffee meet-ups with these individuals, regardless of your business’s current performance.
Mutual support
Always aim to assist your contacts without expecting immediate reciprocation. Providing value and support to others establishes a positive reputation and nurtures long-term relationships. Remember to ask open-ended questions to extract valuable insights from your contacts.
Trust and communication
Trust remains the cornerstone of any relationship. Follow through on any offers to share information made during your initial meetings. Keep your contacts informed about new products or services, seeking input from those with relevant experience. Regular communication and transparency help strengthen trust and reinforce your network’s support.
How to network effectively
There are some important ways in which you can make your face-to-face networking at events and community meetings more successful.
- Dress how you want to be perceived.
- Listen carefully to the people you meet to find shared interests. Then, politely move on to meet others.
- Aim to develop relationships rather than selling things to people.
- Exchange a well-designed business card with people that you want to connect with.
- Follow up with an email or connection with contacts on social media.
