This feels like an obvious comment to make. I mean, it has been in movies, probably told to you by your parents, Appearance matters, Manners matter. This is especially true when it comes to networking. Every person that you meet at a networking event is judging you on your appearance, how you conduct yourself, how you speak. Someone that does not take care of those things, well, they are not someone that people will want to form a worthwhile connection with, or at all. They may seem like small things, but without them, it will not matter that your company has amazing services or products. The result will be that you leave the event empty-handed and with a bad reputation.
Appearance
The appearance will always matter. This goes beyond straightforward stuff like clothing. If you go to one of these things, you better be ticking the right boxes. The first thing will be hygiene. I don’t care if you don’t like washing or brushing your teeth or any of that. You will not get contacts if you show up filthy, greasy and smelling awful. No, if you take care of your appearance, then the prospective clients (prospects) will not only not want to be anywhere near you, they will also think you don’t take care of your business. So, show up dressed and well-groomed and like this event actually matters, because guess what, it does!
Next, clothes. This may seem incredibly obvious, but you need to dress to match the occasion. Don’t show up to a smart casual event dressed like you are going to the shops. Take care of your appearance. Dress for the event that you are going to or people will think that this is something you are not taking seriously.
Conduct
Yes, this is manners, but also so much more. Everyone at these events is judging and this may seem like I am repeating myself, but it is true. They are. How you behave will tell them all they believe that they need to know about your business. You are not just representing yourself after all. To be at these events, you are also representing your company, whether you own it or not. So, the cliff notes? Politeness. This is key as it shows respect and that you care how people see you interact with others. Do not get drunk. All you will do with this is make a fool out of yourself and possibly not only destroy your own reputation but lose your job. Table manners, don’t not eat like a barbarian. Use some common sense, please.
How you speak
Yes, this matters. Be clear, polite, avoid stuttering and stammering. All this does is annoy the person in front of you and leave the impression that you should not be there. That you are not prepared. Impoliteness is a sign of disrespect and that will not gain you any favours or contacts.
These are only a few of the things you should think about when it comes to networking events. As I said, Manners matter and so do appearance. One without the other is also no use. Nexus Networking is specialists when it comes to networking and can help you to make valuable connections. To find out more, visit our website at www.nexusnetworking.co.uk, email us at info@nexusnetworking.co.uk or give us a call on 01206 588 000.