Pro tips for making the most out of a Business Networking event. There is so much more you can accomplish via a handshake than you can with an email.

3. Find the best event for your target niche by
joining groups on Facebook or LinkedIn. You
can also discover industry-specific on
websites like Eventbrite or Meetup.

4. Build a persona by researching specific or
potential attendees and determine how you
can address their needs. Practice speaking to
this persona.

6. Prepare business cards, take plenty, and put
them in an easy-to-carry container. Do not
rely on their ability to remember your name.

7. Dress appropriately. Overdressing is better
than underdressing but neither is ideal. Try
to get your outfit right. Think business casual
but comfortable.

9. Relax. If you prepared properly you will do
great. If you didn’t prepare properly, you will
learn a valuable lesson and get it right next
time.

10. Shake plenty of hands. Not shaking hands is
weird. People will expect you to extend your
hand when you introduce yourself.

11. Look people in the eye when you speak to
them. It’s a sign of confidence and people
will trust you more versus if you didn’t look
them in the eye.

12. Without being creepy, seek out certain
attendees that you prequalified during your
research and present them with the mini
proposal.

13. Think quality, not quantity. Forget “working
the room” and focus on high-quality
conversations.

14. After each conversation, try to take notes.
This can be done with your mobile device to
appear as if you’re checking email.

16. Follow up in a timely manner. Max is a week,
same day might be too soon. 1-3 days is
ideal.

17. Connect via social media. LinkedIn is best
but Facebook is appropriate depending on
the niche. Try for business profiles, rather
than personal.

18. Send a message via email or social media.
Send a highly personalized email referencing
your conversation. Never a standard
template.

19. Do not spam your new contacts. Offer your
services in the first or second email and stop
trying after that. But stay connected. You
never know what can happen.

20. “
“
You are not going to an
event to close a sale. You’re
going to start relationships.

21. “
“
Embed SEOReseller’s web
audit tool on your website and
run impromptu site audits.

22. “
“
Use event hashtags on social
media to follow relevant
conversations, contribute, and
make yourself heard.