Try This Game at Your Next Networking Event
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I have been to many networking events and yes, everybody is not interested in YOU, they are interested in themselves trying to make a sale. Is like talking to the wind them patiently waiting for you to shut up so they can get back into their pitch or bragging session.. and more than likely trying to score a date with you.. How many times I turned down a date that because of their bruised ego, also lost a potential client.. Either way, I would have had a dinner date and still no client, and more then likely is married trying to pass off this dinner date as biz meeting.. Bartender, check please get me the hell outtah here. So saved by the bell by saying NO to wasting my time. I go to these events to build a network not to get laid.. I think this Spark game is good, however if people need guidance on how to navigate the room DURING the event, then what happens when they leave? These cards should come with a check list, a piece of paper where they can write names down the next plan of action for tomorrow.. best time to call, best day to call.. holds the net worker and networkee committed to each other, that they will not flake off never to be heard from again. Face to face at these events EVERYBODY IS SO EXCITED.. Rah rah rah... You leave feeling ex tactic at all the biz cards you have in your hands, counting each one as if they are $100 bills ha ! Email them all, and they are unresponsive ( most not all ) because remember they are not there to see what you can do for them, it is what they can do for you. sell sell sell. Having said all of that, I think these cards are great gets the ball rolling and entertaining.. adding a follow up sheet, an interest sheet, a connection sheet ( whatever you want to call it ) where both parties enter into their own sheet the data time to call, and the reason, etc gives them a commitment and solidifies the conversation they just had...
Hi Gylliayn! Yes many times people are out to sell. I teach people how to succeed at networking, see my book on becoming the go-to person ... but many many people need to be taught how to network. They are either shy or uninformed. Some just know how to tell you what they do and hand you a business card. But many times, breaking the ice to help others achieve is what networking is all about. Give and then learn by asking... the QLMethod for your success. And remember, the typical sale happens on the 7th contact. Stay at them... even the sellers need to buy sometimes. :) ~Steve