5 networking like a pro strategies

DR MARIA SCHWARTZ

EBOOK

1

GET IN NETWORKING MINDSET

Networking can help you enrich your life, your job, your business, your circle of
friends and much more, but to have the things your desire you need to embrace
the right mindset. As with other activities in your life, you’re going to be more
successful if you:

Have a vision - If you aspire to be a millionaire at some point in your life, or you
would like to increase your business to 7, 8, 10+ figures, you have to get really
clear on why you want it. When you go to networking events, set goals of what
you’ll accomplish at these events that align with your vision. For example, I’ll
meet 3 people who can help me market my new product/service with joint
marketing campaigns.

Be solution focused - You have to be very clear on the problem your business
solves for others and the type of customers you’re looking to attract. When you
meet other people, rather than just talking about yourself and your business,
listen, try to see solutions in areas where others see problems and strive to help
others find solutions to their challenges.

Become a growth-oriented leader - The more you grow your leadership skills,
the more you’re going to attract other like-minded leaders into your business,
your life, and your circle of friends. Pursue growth and development by getting a
life or a business coach, because they’ll point out things you don’t see and will
help you grow and achieve results faster.

DR MARIA SCHWARTZ

5 Networking Strategies Used By Pros

© VIVID CONNECT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED VIVIDCONNECT.COM 866.559.5055

/VividConnect /VividConnect @VividConnectllc /MariaSchwartz /company/vividconnect

2

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Just like you wouldn’t show up to a meeting with a client unprepared, don’t show
up to business networking events, conferences, shows and other places where
you can meet potential clients or promoters.

1. Always be prepared to talk about your business, your current goals,
and/or your career goals. Have 3 interesting or compelling talking points about
yourself or your business in mind at all times. Have a couple questions prepared
that you can ask to take control of the conversation, that allow you to weigh in
and come across as an expert. For example, if you’re a branding company and
you’re talking to another business owner you might ask: what do you find to be
some of the best trends in branding this year? After the other person replies, you
could add your answer and ask if they have used any of these strategies for
their business.

2. Research people, the event and organizers. If you’re going to a networking
event do a google search to learn more about the event, the person/company
who organized it and see if there are any specific people you’d like to connect
with at the event, that way you can create a focused plan of engagement at the
event.

3. Reach out before the event. If you’ve researched and know what people
you’d like to meet, you can email, send them a note on LinkedIn or text them
before the event to confirm that they are going and to let them know you’re look-
ing forward to meeting them in person.

DR MARIA SCHWARTZ

5 Networking Strategies Used By Pros

© VIVID CONNECT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED VIVIDCONNECT.COM 866.559.5055

/VividConnect /VividConnect @VividConnectllc /MariaSchwartz /company/vividconnect

3

ASK FOR AN INTRODUCTION

Asking for an introduction to someone you’d like to meet should ONLY be done
when the person you’re asking to introduce you knows you well enough and can
vouch for you. When someone extends an introduction to another person in their
network, they are putting their own credibility on the line. They do not want their
credibility tarnished. That’s why many times people hesitate to introduce you to
someone they know and may give you an excuse on why they can’t do it.

To always get the introduction be sure to:

1. You build a strong relationship with the person you’re planning to ask for an
introduction. This can be done through regular follow up, hanging out together,
getting to know the person beyond work, group activities and public events.

2. Make sure your intentions are genuine and the person you’re asking to do
this clearly understands your goals with the introduction. Ask the person you
know the best way to approach the person you’d like to meet and listen to the
feedback then implement it.

3. This is important - If you’re planning to ask for an introduction someone you
haven’t talked to in more than a year, be sure to open your conversation with
that. Don’t waste the person’s time asking them how things are going, etc. They
know you called for a reason so be upfront.

DR MARIA SCHWARTZ

5 Networking Strategies Used By Pros

© VIVID CONNECT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED VIVIDCONNECT.COM 866.559.5055

/VividConnect /VividConnect @VividConnectllc /MariaSchwartz /company/vividconnect

4

GIVE BEFORE YOU RECEIVE

Stop going to networking events expecting to make sales! Everyone at the
networking events is trying to sell their product or service. While these people
may not be ready to buy your product/service they might know someone who is
ready. Rather than trying to sell them on what you do, let them know the type of
customer you’re looking for.

Stop opening your introduction to a conversation with your name and
what you do. “Hi I’m Joe and I work in the financial field.” If the person you
meet does not need financial services they will be discouraged from continuing
the conversation even if you have something of value to offer them or possibly
even leads.

Stop collecting business cards for the sake of collecting business cards!
You don’t need cards from people that you haven’t spoken to and built a rapport
with - they will not remember you tomorrow!

Understand this - the law of reciprocity (give and you will receive) works
every time! Find out what challenges people you meet are trying to solve and
their biggest pain points. Offer solutions and offer to help them find leads, a job,
or to put together a project they are struggling with. Make others feel grateful to
you for helping them over and over and they will feel indebted. In due time they
will ask to see if they can help you in any way.

DR MARIA SCHWARTZ

5 Networking Strategies Used By Pros

© VIVID CONNECT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED VIVIDCONNECT.COM 866.559.5055

/VividConnect /VividConnect @VividConnectllc /MariaSchwartz /company/vividconnect

5

FOLLOW UP, FOLLOW UP,
THEN FOLLOW UP AGAIN!

It takes 9 impressions for people to start noticing you, putting some faith in
your company your product and committing to buy your products or services.
80% of the sales are made during the last few impressions, so you need to think
of follow up as a trust building engine that allows you to build a relationship with
the other party. Follow up with calls, texts, emails, hand written thank you notes,
gifts, and anything else that will put your name and your company name and
products/services in front of the buyer.

Follow up right away. You just met someone, send them a text message as a
follow up with your name and a brief comment so they remember you, then
follow up the next day. As customers we want instant gratification, we want
things right away, so why would you have the other person wait for your follow
up reply? Your chance of building a strong relationship with that person
increased by 300% if you follow up right away.

DR MARIA SCHWARTZ

5 Networking Strategies Used By Pros

© VIVID CONNECT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED VIVIDCONNECT.COM 866.559.5055

/VividConnect /VividConnect @VividConnectllc /MariaSchwartz /company/vividconnect