To be successful in business it is important to strive to ensure that all meetings in networking situations should be positive experiences for both parties.
If they aren‟t then the meetings have caused you to lose potential business. For the meeting to have a successful outcome both parties need to feel a connection with each other and to have a feeling of mutual respect.
That is a tall order when a meeting may only last a few minutes. It can be achieved if you are able to meet with the individual and come across as trustworthy and interesting.
Hold Attention
Remembering that business people receive innumerable introductions it is vital to be able to maintain their interest in you when you engage them initially in conversation.
Being friendly without appearing to be false will certainly help. It is important to portray a positive and energetic outlook. Being well prepared for the meeting and knowing exactly what your business can offer to help and support is paramount.
It is essential to articulate what you can do but equally essential that you listen with focus to the other person and genuinely engage in what they are saying to you. Interesting people are those who are interested in others.
Business contacts have to be able to trust one another to be able to do business. It is important to be sincere and honest about what is discussed. There is no point in exaggerating truth or lying or trying to impress with false information about your business.
It is essential that you convey information honestly and are up front with about misgivings or weaknesses that you or your business may have. Honesty will convey trustworthiness and that is the image that you must strive to portray. Businesses will only do business willingly with those they can trust.