You must go out and start networking. Get started with masterminding, or brainstorming with like-minded, success driven people from outside your industry. Find new contacts who can share perspectives, real life experiences and recommendations with you.
If you’re a lonely entrepreneur out there trying to knock it alone, and you’re not getting perspective from other people, you’re making it very hard for yourself.
Last Wednesday, I attended the Monster Mixers held at Jackson’s in Tampa. The producer, Phillip Black organized the mixer so everyone left with contacts and new business. The event began with a “Speed Intro” format with 3 minutes to talk and then switch seats going down the line. In 30 minutes, I met 10 people and pitched my services 10 times. It was great fun and made me think on my feet as I made my pitch to new prospects.
Then, the event moved to Jackson’s bar area for a more traditional meet and mingle. The group was diverse, from a start-up photographer to a charity fundraiser to a Merrill Lynch pro. Overall I met about 25 people and generated a zillion, profitable ideas for my business.
Ok, a zillion isn’t exactly the number, but my point is the energy that I had as I left the event. My mind was racing from the conversations, my heart was pumping with the possibilities. I couldn’t wait to get home to start adding the contacts into my email.
The one thing I noticed is how few people had their “10 Second” pitch ready. Anytime you meet someone, you’ve only got 10 seconds to make an impression. Prepare how to make a good one. Script out exactly what you are going to say.
As I met new people I was surprised how most just stumbled along and didn’t really say anything. They were… ahhh… in the ___ industry… been ahh…. Or maybe they wanted me to start first, I wasn’t exactly sure. They did not offer me their business card with confidence.
The result? I wasn’t impressed with their performance and moved quickly to the next person. If you looked over the crowd, you could tell who was there for business development. Those are the people you want to talk with.
There are two parts to this lesson. The first is to go out and network. Meet new people, exchange ideas and your business will profit. The second is to be prepared! Look good, speak and listen well.
You can find more profit every time you introduce yourself. Kay Peck
01 December 2009, 12:49 pm
I was at that event and I’m probably one of those people who wasn’t prepared. At least I followed up and checked out your website – haha!
01 December 2009, 12:55 pm
I’m glad you came to visit the website. Let me know if you implement those ideas we discussed – I love to hear success stories!