No matter what profession you are in, networking is the fuel that accelerates success. At Applause you will chat with leading app marketing professionals and companies ambassadors during breaks: breakfast, lunch, cocktail and happy hour. All these moments will give you the opportunity to meet new people and reconnect with all contacts. However, to start a conversation with strangers in a networking event is a difficult task for many professionals.
Today, we will give you some tips to improve your networking skills and make the most of Applause 2019. Keep on reading!
How to Start a Conversation with Strangers?
Imagine yourself in a situation like that: the W Hotel terrace full of people, eating, having drinks and chatting among themselves. How can you introduce yourself and connect with other professionals? This is a difficult and uncomfortable process. We recommend you to carry out these tips at Applause 2019 to increase your network:
1. Look Approachable
Body language says a lot about a person and sends signals to the rest of the people. We have all seen people walking down a hall with their head down or sitting a table engrossed with their phone. Instead, get interested in people around you and smile to them, it is always a signal that you are open to a conversation. Also, when you approach someone in a networking event we recommend you to start the conversation with a firm handshake, make eye contact, extend your hand and introduce yourself. These simple steps will help you to build a good image of yourself before starting the conversation.
2. Show Interest and Listen
We all have been in networking events with people who talk constantly about their business and interrupt other people’s speech. Avoid being a pushy salesperson! For professional connections, approach people with a genuine interest in their businesses, opinions and hobbies. When you initiate the conversation, ask open-ended questions to show your sincerity. Also, give your full attention to the people you are meeting with.
3. Connect with Influencers
Spend your time into building relationships with connectors and influencers in the app industry. A personal introduction is the best strategy to start conversations with the right people. It is better to accumulate less business cards and work to become them into beneficial relationships, than having 100 casual connect cards in your database.
4. Give a Sincere Compliment
Everyone is happy to receive a compliment, even from a new connection. Use what you know about the person to choose the best accolade. It’s advisable to compliment someone on their business accomplishments or talents. Compliment a physical attribute only when you don’t have anything else to go on.
5. Decide if you want to Advance to the Next Step
If you are holding a conversation with someone at Applause, you probably won’t meet this person again. During this time you would have detected if there was an interesting conversation regarding the industry, then it’s perfectly fine to ask for the person’s business card. After the event, send a follow-up e-mail just to say thank you and share some interesting information regarding the industry. In this way, you are building a successful relationship and maybe a new collaborator or customer for your business. You never know!
Networking is the best way to meet new people and bring new opportunities to your business. The way you communicate with others will attract them and will help you to go beyond a business card. Take note of our tips and see you on the 7h of June at Applause 2019!
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