Who’s headed to Market America World Conference 2016? One of the best parts of the New Year is that also means MAWC 2016 is just around the corner – and I can’t wait! Whether you’re there to learn about new products, get the latest and greatest on all the updates or learn about Market America for the first time, at a conference like this – networking is where it’s at. From making new connections to reconnecting with people you’ve met before, coming to MAWC with your best networking skills is a must. Feeling like you need some reminders? Here are a few networking tips to help you make the most of the upcoming 2016.
4 Essential Networking Tips for MAWC 2016
#1. Focus on making good, solid connections rather than simply a volume of connections. You’re going to meet a lot of people at MAWC – that’s just the way it is. It’s what you do with those connections that matter – and, not every introduction is going to lead to a solid connection. That’s OK! If you walk away from MAWC with just one connection that helps evolve your business or turns into an ongoing business relationship or friendship, you’re doing great.
#2. Have a handful of conversation starters up your sleeve. One of the toughest parts is those first few moments of meeting someone – they don’t call it breaking the ice because it’s easy! So having a few good questions or statements to get a conversation going is a great way to be prepared. People love to chat about their kids, food, travel – you know – the fun stuff, and that’s a great way to start.
#3. Be prepared to do quite a bit of listening. Remember that networking is a two way street. As much as you want people to know about your skills and experience, the people you’re meeting have the same goals. Be sure to have a balance of listening and contributing to the conversation.
#4. Don’t be shy about asking for an introduction. If you know there is someone in particular you’d like to meet, don’t be afraid to ask someone you know for an intro – it’s a networking event, after all. Everyone is there to meet people and sometimes it takes someone in common in order to make it all happen. Having that common connection helps get the conversation started and often alleviates the challenging part of those first few moments of networking.
Are you ready to get networking at MAWC 2016? What’s your strategy? Tell me what you’re looking forward to accomplishing in the comments section below. xo
