For the last two years I lived in Stockholm and studied as a master student at ICT Entrepreneurship. In my opinion networking is the crucial part of entrepreneurship. I am not an experienced entrepreneur, who made billions of dollars, but still I have some recommendations for you. These are my stories as a young entrepreneur in Stockholm and may be you will not agree with me. Let’s get started;
Lessons Learned 1: Be active but not over-active
Some friends of mine, who runs after people to collect their business cards and mail addresses, generally see that people only once. I think this is really disturbing and has no value inside. As a young entrepreneur I sometimes feel that people do not pay enough attention to me since I do not have a lot to offer them. But, once you show them the energy and sympathy it will be easy for you to have good connections with them. So, there is no need to run after people to get their contact details. They will never get back to you.
Lessons Learned 2: Don’t play games, be friendly
People are generally too busy. So, no one wants to listen a long story from a person who they just met in an event. So, do not talk about partnership or “your business ideas” right away. When you first meet with people, talk about the general things. You can start with open ended question like; “how is it going”, “what makes you busy these days” or you can talk about interesting facts or statistics. Try to keep the level of attention high, don’t bore people. Also, keep in mind that a person’s name is the sweatiest thing in his/her life.
Lessons Learned 3: Help people
Help people without expecting a return. Help them meet new people and let them talk about themselves. Listen them and ask meaningful questions. Because right questions can stimulate and persuade. It is also a sign that you are curious and caring about what they said. Right questions can make difference between getting what we want or going with nothing.
Lessons Learned 4: Don’t waste peoples’ time
Don’t stick to a person for 30-40 minutes, as long as it is not really important. Because in a networking event, people want to meet with lots of other people and make connections. So, let people go away and find others. Be polite and don’t bore them.
I was like that before running after people’s contact details. It is very true, they never get back to me. People get back when they knew that you would bring back value to them and their businesses.
You might be interested in learning from successful entrepreneurs, Louis Lautman gathered some of their stories in the YES movie at http://www.TheYESmovie.com
Very insightful, indeed…
If I could add one more, it would be:
* Never give up unless you don’t believe in it.
/Arash