Truth: You CAN Get New Clients at a First-Time Meeting!
I’m sure you’ve often been told by well-intentioned and seasoned networkers you must “build relationships over time” before you can expect to get new clients from a networking or meet-and-greet event.
Well, I’m here to tell you this is a fallacy, and simply not true. I’ve met many people for the first time, and turned them into new clients in a matter of days—not months or years.
If you have specialized and valuable programs to offer, and a specific chosen niche, you can get new clients at the very next networking meeting you attend. Here’s how to do it.
1. Determine your goals
What’s your goal for the meeting you’re attending? Is it to find potential clients for a new program you have in mind? Is it to extend your reach through people at the event to their contacts? Is it to find new speaking gigs?
Go to the event with a purpose. Have one goal in mind, know what type of person you want to meet, and the number of key contacts you want to make.
When you meet people, first, focus on creating connection and a relationship before you start talking about your business and pushing services. Then, if they seem to fit what you’re looking for, offer information about your business, a program you’re offering, invite them to a valuable Discovery Session with you.
If they seem connected to the type of client you’re seeking, give them “little soldiers’ to hand out to others. Little soldiers are items they can pass along, such as a CD with valuable audio content, bookmarks, and booklet, anything you can think of giving. Be creative!
2. Showcase your unique brand essence
Having a unique brand essence lets you showcase how you “stand out from the crowd.” This includes communicating your market “position,” what you stand for, who you help, and how you help solve specific problems your niche is experiencing.
It also means presenting yourself in an authentic manner. Being “in authenticity” ties in with your values and expertise you bring to the table. It also includes your unique style of preferred dress, and how you speak, the words you use, and how you carry yourself. For example, do you want to be seen as confident?
Be sure you’ve claimed a unique position in the market for your chosen niche. Know what problems your niche is struggling with, and how you help. Be in touch with your values, expertise, and personal style. Think about how you will project this when meeting people.
3. Follow-up
When you’ve met people you’d like to work with, connect by email or telephone (telephone is better) within the next 24 hours. Invite them to schedule a Discovery Session, to be added to you list, set a date for a speaking event. Connect via Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.
Note: In my experience networking, very few people do a good job of following up. And, that’s why they don’t get the number of clients they are seeking! Follow their advice of “it takes a year” to get new clients, being part of a group, and your income will suffer. Just like theirs.
The next time you are attending a networking event refer to these tips. I can almost guarantee you, you will leave the event with solid leads that translate quickly into new clients!
