How to be a Networking Rockstar in RVA! JAM Peter Larsen February 21, 2018

Where I come from: Average 3-7 business networking events per week for the last 8 years. 22 years in the Office Technology industry in RVA. Consistency. Regional speaker on Networking, LinkedIn, Public Speaking Prowess, Positive Energy Creation in Business. Lost my dream job early in my career and have experienced the devastation of being let go. Cobb Technologies President’s Club Sales Performer 8 years in a row. #1 in sales for entire company numerous years. So networking translates into closed business!

How to be different from everyone else Part 1 Body language

How to be different from everyone else Part 2 Body language

How do you start your day? TV news first thing? What Peter does first thing every morning. Before you go to the networking event: Are you excited about it? What is your goal for this event? Who do you know, and like, that will be there? Have you had enough food and water that day? It matters.

Which networking groups should you be part of? Go to the ones NOONE from your industry goes to! Geographic-focused groups. Be the LOCAL expert. Partners in Healthcare, PRO Groups, 212, BNI, Synapse – can be helpful and you will get referrals there. What others are you seeing out there? Join when they are small and mighty. Grow WITH them.

What to do and what not to do in business networking DO prepare in advance of the networking event. Who is the leader of the group? DO get there early. Nametag table. Study the dynamics of the room and the crowd. Peter’s “Corner Survey” rule. DO let everything that happened to you that day GO and set it behind you.

What to do and what not to do in business networking DON’T talk to the people you already know the whole time. Except at the beginning. DON’T be too quick to give out your business card. Ask about THEM and THEIR business first. They will ask you for your card. DON’T talk to one person too long. The 2-3 minute conversation secret. DON’T forget to have your 15 second introduction of what you do ready to go. What are some of your 15 second introductions?

What to say and not to say to be connected Ask “So what’s new in your business life for 2018?” Ask someone “Tell me what you do in one sentence”. Respond with “Wow, that sounds hard”. What NOT to say: Please don’t ask the uber-generic and impossible question: “How’s life?” Entering conversations tips. Exiting conversations tips.

Final tips: The value of rest…. Crowd Centering tips….

Turn up your POSITIVE ENERGY! Questions?