How to Make a Positive and Memorable Networking Appearance

Sometimes, when we’re at a networking event, we end up with a large stack of cards – and a blurry memory (even when there aren’t drinks!) We feel as if we wasted our time. We don’t come away with leads or meetings worthy of the time we spent. And often, the people we met feel the same way about us.

While it is very difficult for most people to process the amount of input they receive in a networking atmosphere – especially larger mixers – there are steps you can take to maximize the experience and outcome for you and those you meet.

Here are some tips on how to “stand out in the crowd” (while you are there) and then how to stand out “from the crowd” (in your follow up and your follow through.)

While you’re at the event:

1. Be sure to take a card of theirs before you offer your own. It is common courtesy – and I always take notes while I ask the other person to talk about what they do. That way, I know what they do and how I might be able to help them. Also, when I hand them my card, I write a person I think they should know on the back. I ask them to connect with me (even though I have the same info on the back of their card) so that I know they want the introduction.

2. I use a “rating system” – and keep cards in an order in the meeting. There are (a) people I am glad to have met, (b) people I know I can help, (c) people I want to meet with further, and (d) people who I made a business connection with – they need my product(s) – or I need theirs. This allows me to follow up properly and promptly.

3. Be sure to keep eye contact with those you meet. We’re all been told how this is polite – but I never realized how much it can separate you from the pack. Keeping eye contact also increases your focus on the other person and what they are saying. They feel like you are tuned into them. I have had both new clients and great networking friends comment on how this made me stand out.

4. In every meeting, small or large, I try to use a trick I learned from Jackie Robinson via Jack Petrash. They both speak of how, when a batter goes to the plate, the batter is entitled to 3 good pitches. I keep the same thing in mind – only in networking, it is 3 good minutes. One minute to understand the person in front of me, one to listen harder and ask a good question or two – and then one to share my own insight or value I could bring to them.

5. In larger groups I try to keep in mind the people I met who are in the “spheres of influence” for those I am meeting. That way, I can ask “do you know Sam Jones – he does trash removal – and you’re a landlord with lots of turning properties.” I also can keep this in mind the next time I attend – and bring along people with coinciding interests.

6. Ask distinguishing questions to set yourself apart. Be sure to go deeper than surface level – asking them not just what they do – but what things they need to take next steps for success in their business? or who they get best leads from? or what else they have done or do outside of work? In that minute or so – asking them for this type of information allows you to gain a more intimate understanding of how you can help them and who else you know with similar interests. Again, keep track of these small things for the follow up, on the back of that person’s card.

7. Give them a way to find you that is unique and different. Sure, connecting with them on LinkedIn and for other social and business networking sites can be a way to expand your relations – but being able to say “Google Me” – is a really great tool – it helps with “your ‘bility.”

8. Finally, I try to take note of what type of networker and person I am meeting, using Malcolm Gladwell’s “Tipping Point” trio to distinguish people as either a maven, connector or salesperson. This helps me know how to introduce them (article on page 20) when I begin networking introductions – one of the five followup rules. If you haven’t read “Tipping Point” – I very highly recommend it.

Be sure to check out our article on “How to Make Positive and Memorable Networking Followup.”