Sales & Marketing Authority, Bestselling Author & Business Motivational Speaker

I love attending business networking functions, but when I was a relatively new entrepreneur I had a huge problem. I would meet a ton of people, put their business cards in my pocket, and then forget about them. Incredibly useless, right?

Believe it or not, this is a problem many new entrepreneurs have when they get started. You have another problem, though. You want to make sure you aren’t the person that’s being forgotten.

So how do you make yourself memorable? It’s really simpler than most people make it out to be. Try a few of these tips and you’re guaranteed to make a few new friends and contacts – the kind that will definitely remember you the next day!

• Participate. This is one of the biggest mistakes people make at networking events. Some people even spend all of their time speaking to people they already know. What a waste of time! Make it a point to introduce yourself to at least two or three new people, actively listen to what they have to say, and have a great conversation. Too many people merely network to hand out business cards, so if you act as if you care about what others are saying you’ll stand out from the crowd.

• Make yourself stand out. A female friend of mine once told me that the difference between a woman who merely walks into a room and a woman who makes a grand entrance is usually in her accessories. She’s got a well-matched outfit or great jewelry that really stands out. It “completes” her look and gives her an air of confidence. Men can use accessories to stand out as well – bright colored ties, unusual jewelry, or a cool (yet appropriate) hat. You can easily do something creative without crossing the lines and becoming unprofessional.

• Repeat Yourself. If nothing else, you want your audience to remember your name, where you work, what type of business you’re in, what you sell, and where you’re located. Repeat these things as much as possible – but only if they can be naturally worked into the conversation. Remember that in advertising a person needs to hear/see your name or product at least 20 times before the memory sticks. Why would marketing yourself be any different? Don’t overdo it, though. Be natural.

Be cool, calm, and collect at each and every networking event you attend. Your unique and professional appearance and attitude will help you to stand out from the crowd and no one will know if you’re attending your 1st networking event or your 100th!

Sean

Sales Expert - Marketing Consultant – Motivational Speaker