Three weeks ago I was awakened out of my sleep by my phone alarm, telling me that I had an email message. Half-awake, I opened the message to find a flight confirmation email from Southwest Airlines. This must have been a mistake because I certainly did not book a round-trip flight to Florida. After sitting up, turning on the lamp on my bedside table, I noticed there is a message attached from my boss:

“Pack your bags, you are going to Florida. Hope you can find a babysitter. – Gene”

Was this a new employee appreciation program where people are randomly awarded with a vacation package? Nope. It was one better! I was getting the opportunity to attend the @IncEvents conference #GrowCo, in Orlando, Florida!

Perfect! Except, I have never networked for my company before, and certainly not at an Inc Magazine event. Before departing, my boss gave me a few pointers to lead me in the right direction. Below are the 5 things to know when being a beginner networker.

1. Dress appropriately: If you want to be taken seriously, you have to look the part. Do not be afraid to be stylish, but remember, you are marketing your company, not your body.

2. Travel light: Phone, small purse/wallet, business cards. Anything else and you have too much in your hands to operate smoothly. Accept business cards, give yours out, sip your coffee and move around freely.
3. Google it: If you really want to find out about the person you are sitting beside look at their badge and Google their name. Find out what they do and if they are going to be a useful name for your books.
4. Go where the owners are: They may be there to learn, but you are there to engage the business owners and get them on board with your company. Figure out where the decision makers will most likely be (even if it is the hotel bar at 10pm) and make your presence known. Start random conversations and move into topics about what they do, and what they need.
5. Know your pitch: Not sure what to say to a potential lead? Fail. Go home and cry in your pillow. Practice what you want to say and what is going to keep your listener engaged. Customize your pitch for different scenarios and adapt to what is thrown your way. Nervous? Laugh it off and grab another muffin from the snack bar. The worst that can happen is that they walk away.

Overall, the event was a success and I interacted with a large number of business owners ready to get their hands on the next big thing that is going to skyrocket their business. There are people ready to hear your message; you just have to be prepared to give it to them. “If you learn to sell you will never starve” – Mary Kay

My next blog will contain some information on what to do with the leads you received from your networking efforts via Victoria Rabin, Business Developer Manager of Pop Labs (@victoria_lou).

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