Connections will be your most valuable resource as an entrepreneur. Going to numerous events and meetings is usually an effective way to gather information, learn about opportunities, and find talent.
But for some events, you’ll only have enough time to pop in and out. Here are some speedy networking tips that you can use to make a small amount of socializing worth your while.
Interrupt sales people – politely. At every event, you’ll likely find people hustling up leads. While these professionals, often deserve your time, if you’re in a hurry, it’s OK to let them know right away whether you’re a good fit for the product. Find a polite way to keep moving and be considerate of the salesperson’s time, such as using the example below.
“That sounds like a great [product or service], but I don’t want to waste your time. I’m not really in need of XYZ [product or service] right now. If you’ll give me your card, I’ll definitely consider reaching out to you in the future.”
Set a time-saving goal. Making a commitment to pass out 10 business cards, talk to three executive-level people, or decide what specific information you’d like to learn about will keep you mindful of how you are spending your time.