Intelligent CXO Issue 22 | Page 29

FEATURE
• Quote testimonials from your satisfied customers and demonstrate how your product or service has helped others .
3 . Get out of your comfort zone
It ’ s only natural to gravitate towards people that you already know , but networking is all about meeting people outside of your circle . If you find yourself in this situation , scan the room for people you have yet to meet and create an opportunity for them to join in the conversation .
Look out for new people and remember how you first felt when you turned up to somewhere new . A friendly introduction goes a long way .
4 . Keep attending
Networking is a slow burn , and it takes a while to build up trust within a group . Attend regularly , help others and have an effective follow-up .
Networking is about building up your network and relationships . You might not immediately get business from an event , but one person you speak to might open several doors .
5 . Listen
Take an interest in others and find out what they want to achieve from the meeting .
• See if their objectives or values match yours and find some common ground .
• Can you help them through your own network contacts connections or make introductions that might be of interest either from a supplier need , a client perspective or strategic partnership ?
IT ’ S ONLY NATURAL TO GRAVITATE TOWARDS PEOPLE THAT YOU ALREADY KNOW , BUT NETWORKING IS ALL ABOUT MEETING PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF YOUR CIRCLE .
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