One of the questions I get asked most frequently is “what’s the best thing you can do to stand out when networking?”
Possible answers:
- Get your business card out to as many people as possible
- Polish your elevator pitch until it shines
- Brush up on the latest trends so that you can talk intelligently about industry news
- Work your company’s three best benefits into the conversation
I have hundreds of business cards that have been shoved into my hand at networking events. I’ve heard pitches—elevator and longer—more times than I can count. I’ve also endured a networker expounding about the latest topic he’s found important.
I am sure you have too.
But if these tactics are status quo at networking events they are also stagnant, old hat—and highly forgettable. So by definition they are a risky proposition when you want to stand out.
So how do you make yourself memorable?
Just listen. Ask questions of the people you meet. Explore the topics in which they exhibit interest.
Just listen. There will be plenty of time to talk about yourself, your ideas, your solutions later.
Just listen. With no expectation of immediate reward. Listen with your full attention—not halfway while you mentally work out your response, which just happens to reference your business.
Just listen. With an openhearted curiosity about the other person.
In my experience, such listening rarely occurs at networking events. The sheer novelty of your approach will make you stand out. You will have proven yourself as someone with the generosity and humility to put another person first. You will have proven yourself worthy of trust.
There can be no better basis for a business relationship.
Oh, and don’t forget to send a handwritten thank you card afterwards. [link to thank you card post].