Networking Tips

How to Make a Great First Impression and Offer Your Services

Apr 10, 2008 Joe Lam

Learn to quickly and effectively make a business connection with people to grow your business.

It is said that people buy goods & services from those they trust. People will decide to use your service based on the following:

70% Your introduction
20% Tone of your voice
10% Your product

Because your introduction is most important when meeting a prospective client, you want to put your best foot forward. Here are some tips that may help:

Networking Tips

Smile: This simple act puts many people at ease when they see you. It helps others feel welcomed in your presence.
Be Natural: As long as you stay true to who you are by behaving the same way with every person, then the next time people see you they can know what to expect. People become wary of individuals who clearly act one way towards someone and differently towards another.
Listen Attentively: Remember what people said and comment on it. People love hearing themselves talk and having an audience that will listen.
Bring Business Cards: This should go without saying. And if you meet a prospective client who didn't bring a business card, make sure to write their info on a piece of paper.
Dress Professionally: Dressing for success ensures others that you are always prepared.
Introduce Yourself: Use an ice breaker, ask someone else to help introduce you, or simply say "Hi, my name is ______". Any of these will work. Some of course are more effective than others, but make sure however you introduce yourself, you do it in a natural and welcoming way to avoid sounding like a sales person.
Initiate Interest: This key initiative makes the individual feel important when you ask about their business. And once they've finished, the conversation will naturally turn to questions about your own business. If it doesn't, then take the lead and tell them what you can offer to help their business.
Pitch your Services: Keep what you have to say short and to the point. Social situations are always busy with people coming and going so the time you have with someone is usually limited.
Offer a Referral: This is one of the best ways to build a connection if you geniunely have someone that you can refer. Since this will help the individual you've just met earn more money, they will in turn have a strong inclination to find a way to help you.
Remembering Names: Find a system that works to recall people's names. It's not easy, but very important. People can feel neglected when you've forgotten their name especially after seeing them on more than one occassion.
Enjoy Yourself: Regardless of what happens, remember to take things lightly and have a good time.

The copyright of the article Networking Tips in Marketing/PR is owned by Joe Lam. Permission to republish Networking Tips in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Introduce Yourself