The mad dash to attract clients and partnerships! We’ve all been there. I remember when I used to come away with at least 100 cards and a foggy memory as to WHY I even had them – from pet spas to massage therapists. You name a profession and I had a card.

Boy was I naive! Unfortunately, so many people make that mistake and never realize why their networking “plan” seems all EFFORT and no gain!

Not to mention the thousands of dollars you spend a year going to events. I’ve talked to so many entrepreneurs who tell me they’ve come up empty-handed. No REAL contacts, referrals or business. Such a shame!

Don’t be a Professional Event Attender!

Know WHY you are going and WHAT you intend to get out of it BEFORE you even by the ticket to attend.

In order to make the best decision, you need to get clear. I know. I know. That sounds like such a cliche’ … but it is true. Clarity and focus will yield results. Trust me.

You need to decide at the beginning of the year which events will HELP GROW your business.

So what now?

The best way to go to get clarity is to plan ahead. I ask myself these questions BEFORE I even decide to attend any event, meeting or seminar. I suggest you ask yourself these questions too. They will have a huge impact on your networking and connection success. The key here is to be as detailed and as specific as possible.

QUESTION 1: Why am I going to this seminar or event?

QUESTION 2: What do I want to get out of it? What specific information or connection am I seeking to grow my business?

QUESTION 3: Exactly who am I looking to connect with? Why?

QUESTION 4: What can I offer that connection in return?

QUESTION 5: What outcome do I want to see from attending this event?

QUESTION 6: How will attending this event and making this connection make a difference in my business bottom-line? What part will it improve (i.e. sales skills, team building, etc)?

QUESTION 7: How will reaching this goal impact my personal and professional life (i.e. more time with my children, vacations 3 times a year, increase revenue by 25%, etc)?

OK, so I stuffed a few more in there. Forgive me Asking yourself these questions will keep you on target and make the connections you need to make.

QUICK TIP: I like to print the sheet out and keep it nearby so I can stay “on point” when at an event or conference. Works wonders! You will see a big improvement in the quality of your connections leading to referrals and more business.

Remember:

It’s not about quantity, it’s about QUALITY.

Go be magnetic!

Rhonda Cort

P.S. Hot! Hot! Hot! 17 INNOVATIVE, POWERFUL ways to supercharge your networking mojo! CLICK HERE