What Not To Forget To Bring To Networking Events

I have done my fair share of networking and event attendance over the last couple of years with M Communications. I have to be honest ... I am guilty with forgetting an item below on occasion. (This is usually is when and event is at 7 a.m.) Me no likey. Anyway, here is the list.

Business cards and pen. Now I know this seems super-duper obvious, but I have heard "I forgot my business cards" more often than not. I have also been asked by other people if they could take one of my cards, write their contact info on the back to give to someone else. Business cards are not the most expensive marketing materials, but they are marketing materials nevertheless. My point? Don't do this. The same goes for pens ... borrow and give back.

Cash and receipt books. If you are selling product, you need to have both of these bad boys. Period. I know this also seems pretty straightforward, but if you are in the last minute pack up your booth mode, it can be pretty easy to forget. My advice? Pack the night before.

A good attitude. The message here is simple ... if you are having a bad day stay home. Do not attempt to do conference calls either. Cranky comes across equally the same, whether it be phone or in person. People tend to gravitate and want to do business with positive and happy.

I Love My Colleagues!

Yes, once again I am going to babble for 5 minutes about networking at M Communications, but I truly want to impress upon the point that it truly pays off. I have had not only business pouring in, but a bunch of phone calls asking if I needed help, support or anything else for that matter. Talk about the power of creating relationships and not just running around and collecting business cards. Me likey and Cheers to all of you out there. You know who you are.

It's All About Who You Know

This is one thing I have learned about effective networking at M Communications (and, yes ... I am still talking about networking)and that is if you develop real relationships you have an arsenal and an amazing support system at your disposal at anytime. Recently, I have had some pretty immediate business needs and all I had to do was pop open my Rolodex. All I have to say is Wow. The next think you know I have new team members, an expert in problem solving (and, I will leave it at that) and new projects pouring in. For those of you who are still sitting at home, scratching your head waiting for the phone to ring ... it's time to get out and about!

Effective Networking

At M Communications, the one thing I see all the time is effective networking and non-effective networking. Here are a couple of pointers for those of you not sitting around waiting for the phone to ring.

1. Do not expect immediate business. networking is about relationship building. Time after time again I see people attend and never return because they did not see ROI the very same day. Really get to know the people you meet and keep in mind that they might not be your ideal client, but they might have some people in their Rolodex that are.

2. Do not run around shoving business cards or promos in people's hands. Here is one word that describes this activity: annoying. Also, when people tend to shove unwanted marketing materials in my hand they end up in the "special file" (otherwise known as the garbage can). Last, if you are participating in this activity you are killing trees.

3. Maximize your exposure. Maximize your exposure at networking events (the event's that are a good fit for your business of course). For example, speak, get a display table (not to dance on) or sponsor an event.

Happy Networking!

Starting the New Year Off the Right Way

Happy New Year! Below are a couple of tips & tricks to keep your "business" in the right direction this year.


Keep your marketing fundamentals in check. Keep your marketing materials updated and make sure you have them. Yes, you do need a newsletter, blog and website at the very least. If you do not have these basic tools, you are losing out on new business and most likely looking slightlyunprofessional.

Networking is key. If your phone is not ringing off the hook you need to be out and about. Find a group that is a good fit for your company and join. Participate often and try to get a table or anything to give you additional exposure where necessary.

Do a form of business development each day. This can be sending out a proposal, following up on leads or doing a form of marketing, i.e. your newsletter. Find a way that works for you to track your leads - excel spreadsheet or whiteboard, and make sure you follow up.