Networking opportunities allow you to engage potential clients. You get a chance to introduce people to your business. But there is more.
From what you give to how you follow up after an event, all these interactions shape how people will remember your brand. A repetitive experience makes them familiar with your business.
Here are five simple tips to do this at your next networking event.
Maintain the same brand look on all materials
First, ensure that your business is visible. It should be easily recognizable to your end users wherever they may encounter you. Make sure you adhere to the same:
- Color
- Font
- Logo
- Message in your banners
- Business cards
- Brochures
- Presentation slides.
This doesn’t imply that all items should be exactly the same. Instead, each one should feel connected to the same brand.
Suppose your company has a blue and white color scheme in your marketing materials. You can match it across event displays and printed handouts.
Use quality branded stationery
There are practical items that help attendees remember your business after the show. We are talking about stationery like:
- Notebooks
- Folders
- Pens
- Calendars
- Diaries, etc.
They are good examples because people can use them at the office or at home.
However, audience-appropriate products. Not because they are cheap. For instance, pens can be a good choice for your attendees at a conference. A notebook is a simple option that works for pretty much any professional situation.
Create presentations that reflect your brand message
When making a presentation, ensure that it conveys the same message as your:
- Website
- Brochures
- Conversations with attendees.
Also, don’t try to explain every service your company offers. Your presentation should specifically address a problem. This is often more useful than a presentation full of information about the company.
And write a little intro for the rest of the team on what to tell visitors. This ensures that your core message is consistent across all interactions. It also feels more natural.
Make it easy for attendees to reach out
Networking does not end at the show. Or when you hand someone your business card. Provide attendees with an easy way to continue the conversation. It could be via:
- Website
- Email address
- QR code
- Professional social media profile.
Check your contact details on all materials to ensure they are correct. Sometimes, you will promise to send a resource or schedule a meeting. Note these commitments so that you don’t forget after the event.
You can also build a simple system to:
- Ask for contact information
- Note what each person wants to talk about further.
Follow up while the conversation is fresh
Last but not least, follow up shortly thereafter. It helps attendees connect your message to the person they met. You can:
- Send out a quick email a few days later mentioning something you discussed
- Propose a relevant next step.
Don’t spray out the same generic sales message to every contact. Someone interested in a partnership may require a different follow-up than someone who asked for information on your services.
In addition, maintain your professionalism. Share any resources you have promised. This final step solidifies the impression you made at the event.
