Prepare for the a4uExpo Amsterdam with the Webgains Guide to How to Schmooze

**EK_Webgains** · 11-03-09

The a4uExpo Amsterdam is just over a month away. Have you bought your ticket, made all your travel plans and booked you accommodation? The show will have a variety of activities going on – the exhibition area, the seminars and of course the informal networking events.

The word networking is enough to make many of us shudder. What is networking and why is it so important? Effective business networking is the linking together of individuals who, through trust and relationship building, become walking, talking advertisements for one another. At Webgains we place people at the heart of our business hence our strapline, ‘ results through relationships’ networking can be enjoyable and productive, read our guide to How to Schoomze with Webgains here -

Most people who have negative opinions about the value of "networking" in business tend Most people who have negative opinions about the value of "networking" in business tend to comment that they see it as insincere and that there is always a hidden agenda to people you meet. However, the ability to network successfully is one of the most prized skills a business person can have. Whatever your business, you're going to want customers and you're going to have to make people aware that you're out there so networking is not about oozing with fake sincerity but a fundamental aspect of every successful businessperson's life.

How do you prepare for a networking event?

Sleep well the previous night to ensure that you are not tired and yawning when people speak to you the next day.

What will you be wearing? Select something that fits the occasion, is it a formal or non-formal event first impressions count so put a bit of thought it to it. Personally I go for informal as I want to be approachable, relaxed and not scare people off.

Stock up on the business cards, there's nothing worse than not being able to track someone down after you have spent the whole night talking to them.

Make sure you know where it is so you don't get lost and arrive too late.

Look at the list of attendees to ensure that you know whom you want to meet and make an effort to meet them.

If you are worried about arriving alone, why not contact a few people attending and arrange to meet beforehand and attend together.

Attitude is the key here go with a positive frame of mind, instead of thinking of "networking" as something you go to "networking events" to do, simply take a more relaxed view and see it as a great way to meet new people socially and the bonus being you could end up working with them in the future.

What personal qualities do you think help with networking at events?

Confidence is the obvious one here as the hardest part is the initial task of introducing yourself, remember most people welcome someone else breaking the ice so don't be scared. Eye contact and a smile makes people relax and allows them to broach a conversation with you.

Empathy is one overlooked social skill that all good networkers have e.g. if someone is tired, angry, restless. The ability to read their body language or even just listen to the experience can leave a person with a positive impression of you. Open ended questions and genuine interest goes a long way.

People with charisma attract attention with their ability to relax and find common social bonds with others e.g.; small talk questions act as a device for allowing you to find out what you have in common with the other person e.g.: do they like football, golf music etc.

Integrity is important and I don't think there is anything wrong with going to an event with a clear vision of what you want to achieve e.g. if you are an affiliate and you have a problem with a network now is your chance to address this. Keep a sense of humour, be polite and others will respect you in the long run.

Avoid the sales pitch this can be very off putting to most people you can always do that another time

Do you have any helpful hints or tips for new Affiliates Marketing attendees to make it more productive and valuable for them?

Again business cards is an obvious thing but it's surprising how many affiliates still don't have any printed.

Affiliates in particular need to use events like the a4uexpo to really be proactive & upfront and to speak to merchants and affiliates about what they are looking for. If you are going to discuss business concerns be very specific and clear e.g.: if you are a publisher and run 50 sites select 5 you will be talking about as it can be come overwhelming.

Networking is a numbers game, don’t be put off by speaking to someone you think is irrelevant, too junior or not in you field, stay open minded as they may move, become one of your biggest clients/ partners or even your boss in the future..

Badges are there to help, so use them to find out more about the person or a simple, "What do you think of the event so far" is a simple and effective ice-breaker.

See a crowd and want to join but don’t know how?, Employ what I call the lurker strategy, Listen, nod and then add a comment when you feel it is appropriate of better still ask a question to one of the group.

Stand out, be memorable: I like to wear red, if you have a quirky laugh /hobby flaunt it. Worried that you might be boring read up on a few interesting topical facts beforehand and don't fear being original.

What objectives do you have after attending a networking event?

I go to events to meet people I work with in the industry as I enjoy their company, this doesn't mean that it will bring in money the next day but some people have different approaches for some it is a numbers game for others just meeting one of two new people, each to their own nothing is wrong or right.

What would you advise new attendees to avoid at networking events?

Don't monopolize people, they may be riveting company but you may end up limiting them to the amount of people they end up speaking to, likewise you could miss out on several other people you wanted to chat to. Don't ***** of slag of anyone it's unprofessional and puts people off.

Pet peeve for me are the people who go with their associates to an event, socialise with them the whole night and go home with them, what's the point of going to an industry event? Make an effort use your initiative! Avoid this by introducing people to each other, look on forums, blogs to find out who is going, travel together to the event.

Following up a contact is important to keep that relationship going - How do you do this?

After the event get in touch ASAP just to thank them etc, don't be afraid to use MSN, Facebook and the affiliates4u. Be careful not to pressure them in the future to keep in touch.
Be personal and original, the best networkers have a knack of remembering details and giving without expecting in return e.g.: if someone you have just spoken to is about to buy a house and you know an excellent broker email them the next day and give them their details, little touches like this that make a big difference.