One (1) simple tip to help you increase your exposure at events!
November 22, 2009
Networking tips
Howdy Gang~~
Here is a simple tip to help you gain some FREE exposure at every networking event you attend. Here it is. Arrive early and instead of becoming just another attendee who is trying to hawk your products to a bunch of people not there to buy because they are hawking their stuff ACT like you are the Host of the event!
When I attend an event you will probably find me close to the front door being one of the first people to extend a friendly hand to welcome you to the event. I will ask you several questions about you and your business and then grab you by your hand and introduce you to someone standing by themselves. One of the reasons I do this is so I can have first crack at introducing you to the client of your dreams! This is HUGE for me. I make it a point at every event to introduce you to people I think you need to know. Another benefit of acting like a host is, you will be seen as a leader and someone who others should know. Usually I try and introduce potential clients to those who I am trying to land as clients as well. Why you ask? Because if I am trying to land you as a client AND I am introducing you to several new people at a specific event, I am doing the work for you and your business. This makes your job easier AND you have a higher likelihood of wanting to get to know me.
Remember at your next event to act like an Ambassador for the event and NOT like a guest! Try it and please let me know your results!! Give someone an AWESOME day!! Happy Networking.
Posted in Marketing Strategies, Useful Tips for Networking
November 22nd, 2009 at 10:46 PM
This is such a great tip because it will help people stand out at events. You always have such good advice on networking strategies that help others grow their busisness. Keep the ideas coming!!
November 25th, 2009 at 12:15 AM
Being a host is the number one thing that will make people gravitate to you since you have made them comfortable. The next thing you need to do after that is let them know that you will look for opportunities for them when you get to know them. It’s about them – not about you!
November 25th, 2009 at 12:42 AM
AWESOME tip, Casey! I’ll definitely try this at my next networking event.
November 25th, 2009 at 11:38 PM
Always great to hear what you have to say. I also like you advice to just focus on having a few quality conversations, rather than blitzing around the room trying to get a ton of business cards. I love making newcomers to an event feel comfortable, and became a chamber ambassador so I can do that for the chamber.
November 28th, 2009 at 6:43 PM
Casey, thanks for the great idea – I will use this!
December 1st, 2009 at 9:46 PM
Casey, I love your blog! You really hit the nail on the head with your suggestion to act as a host. If you are ever in WI, you have to come speak to my business networking group. Thanks for ‘friending’ me on facebook.
Make it a great day!
Karin Conway
December 14th, 2009 at 5:31 PM
[...] Leave a Comment I have been working with a client that is a GREAT networker! He has so much to share and I value it when he shares his do’s and do not’s with me. I spend time with him at events and watch the crowd when he is speaking, he is awesome! His name is Casey Eberhart, and his blog The Ideal Networker has great tidbits of information and after reading one post you can feel his energy and already have a taste of his personality! I found this post he did last month and I wanted to share it with you… One (1) simple tip to help you increase your exposure at events! [...]
January 23rd, 2010 at 1:28 PM
What a great idea! I’ve never been shy…why didn’t I think of that? Most people just stand there and wait for someone to come up to them. I’m going to be an “ambassador”, and implement this great tip at my next networking event. Thank You!
January 18th, 2011 at 8:33 PM
This is true. A smile and directions to the bathroom lead to great contacts. Sometimes in the bathroom too. Utilize your space and show them around. They will appreciate you and remember you. I am always asked to host and be the ambassador at an event. Sometimes only way to get in free is to help out and ask to be involved.