How to successfully work a networking event
Effectively networking with wedding vendors so that they remember and recommend you to their brides is an art to say the least. You have to build trust so that you can become a walking, talking advertisement for each other.
Here are 10 tips for successful networking with other wedding business owners:
- Networking is about being genuine. When you ask a colleague what they do be genuinely interested and suggest ways that you can help them.
- Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for.
- Visit as many groups as possible that spark your interest.Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Many groups will allow you to visit two times before joining.
- Hold volunteer positions in organizations.This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you. For example, can you volunteer to be the secretary for your local NACE organization or NAWCP?
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Ask open-ended questions. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.
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Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them.
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Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others.
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Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, “How may I help you?” and no immediate answer comes to mind.
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Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.
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Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.
Always think of networking events as 1) a place to help someone else grow their business and 2) have a plan as to who you’re going to connect with in order to grow your own wedding business.
What has worked for you when networking with wedding vendors? Please tell us below.
networking advice, tips for successful networking, wedding vendor help
I network at Bridal Shows by arriving at least an hour early to visit wedding venue booths. I introduce myself – telling them a little about my Wedding Officiant services & how they are different from other wedding officiants – give them my card (sometimes they will ask for cards to post at the venue) – and after the show, I send them a special e-mail reviewing what I told them at the show, with links to pages on my Website and articles on my Wedding Blog that might help them with their brides and grooms. Several weeks later I will call to arrange a time to get together to tour their property and get better acquainted.
You may also want to visit Larry’s Networking BLOG: http://NetworkingHQ.wordpress.com – More than 290 FREE articles, tips, etc. Something NEW about Networking is posted every 4th day!
Your website is so organized, and your posts are always great. Congratulations for making the difference.
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Okay so a lot of people are sainyg the bridal shower gift is just for the bride, but it’s usually not. That would be the gift for the bachelorette party. Nowadays, the bridal shower involves both bride and groom, and they register for gifts at a couple stores. The wedding gift is separate, and money is usually most appreciated, because it helps cover the costs of the wedding and/or honeymoon. The bridal shower gifts are typically for the home, whether it be kitchenware, lamps, bedset, etc. Whatever you do, don’t give sexy gifts at the bridal shower, usually the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and other family are there!
I’ve seen great results from calling wedding vendors I’ve met the night before at a networking event and asking if they’d send me some more business cards to put in my binder when meeting with brides. I ask if I sent them some business cards would they return the favor.