In research compiled by Virgin, 95% of people studied agreed that
face-to-face meetings are essential for lasting business relationships.
Meet and Greet
Feeling uninspired? Break out the business cards. If you’re looking for new ways to
encourage business growth and innovation, lean on the old school tactic of networking.
Syncing up with other business leaders and entrepreneurs can help your business get a jump start. Just
as traditional networking is one of the best ways to find a new job, the practice of meeting other profes-
sionals socially can help you improve the job you have. Start by seeking out professionals who offer another
perspective on what’s happening in your industry. What products are working for the consumer market?
What businesses could use a boost? You can learn so much by simply spending time away from your desk.
> Don’t Skip the Small Talk > E
xpand Your Social Circle > Plan a Collaboration
Don’t forget to discuss topics other
than business—chatting about
sports, favorite brands of whiskey,
or current events can be a great way
to build rapport without forcing the
conversation. Moving beyond your typical contacts
can broaden your horizons even
more than networking in your field
can. By meeting business profes-
sionals and entrepreneurs in other
industries and business sectors, you
can borrow from their best practices
and find ways to grow your own
business with similar tactics. Connections made outside your
business social circle can also
help set you up for professional
partnerships and collaborations.
As you meet with entrepreneurs
in your community, think about
ways to connect your businesses
through joint ventures or even
charity work.
NEED FOR SPEED
Based on speed dating events for
singles, companies are capitalizing on
speed networking—a fast-paced tactic
for getting to know other professionals
in just a few minutes. Before the event,
professionals submit information about
themselves as well as what type of
connections they are hoping to make.
Organize or attend such an event, and
you’re sure to make numerous contacts.
You don’t need an official speed
networking event to capitalize on the
power of rapidly making connections—
just attend a business conference. Tom
Jaffee, founder of business and social
company Match Events, says that the
best time for speed networking is after
the first morning keynote speech—
attendees are excited by the first
moments of the conference and pour
that energy into meeting others.
Contact your Sterling National Bank
relationship manager (855.274.2800)
to learn about services that can
jumpstart your business growth.
18 | SNB.COM // CONNECT STRATEGY SPRING 2017 // RANKED BY FORBES’ 2017 “AMERICA’S 100 BEST BANKS”