Networking Events — Setting Your Goals

The New Year means new goals.  I like to set goals; all sorts of goals.  I even set goals for networking events.  Nothing crazy you understand.  It could be as simple as wanting to meet someone who is one of the sponsors of the event because we share the some of the same clients.  Here are tips to help you set your own realistic expectations for your next networking event

 One way is to check an organization’s on-line registration site to see if they post who is attending the mixer.  You may not know personally the people who are attending, but their companies should give you an idea of the type of business they are in.  Are some of the people attending your competitors, your target market, or in businesses that share your same target market?  All these people are valuable in growing your business so come prepared to meet them. 

Another way to have realistic expectations is to know why you are attending the mixer in the first place.  I go to different networking events for different reasons, but their ability to help grow my business is at the top of my list. 

For example, I go to the meetings of my local chapter of Meeting Professionals International because of its strong educational component, and I need that so I can keep sharp in an industry that continually changes.  I go to Chamber of Commerce events because I have had the happy experience of meeting people who share my target market or, who are my target market.

 This leads me to the best way to have realistic expectations, and that is to come prepared to listen more than you speak.  Come prepared with the willingness to get to know people.  Come prepared to smile and offer a hand to each person you meet.  I believe if you do all of those things, then the next time a mixer happens there will be people waiting to meet you. 

 Want the chance to learn more about networking and you do business in Southwestern Pennsylvania?  Than attend International Networking Day, Tuesday, February 2^nd from 3:00 till 7:30 at the Radisson Pittsburgh.  For more information and to register go to www.indpittsburgh.com.

Mary Pam Kilgore,  Kilgore Business Services, LLC

www.kilgorebusiness.com

Kilgore Business Services is a corporate meeting and special event planning company providing the planning and resources necessary to make your next meeting or event successful

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