5 Opportunities Lost!

I attended a great networking event last week. It had all makings a Pick Up Artist, for business contacts, could want. Food, Plenty of People and a host that encouraged networking. I saw a friend there who has been struggling with his health product business. Unfortunately he did not take advantage of the opportunities this event could have granted him. Below are the five I noticed:

1. Failed to provide a Door Prize. Most events give the attendees an opportunity to win something. This event was no exception. They asked openly for door prizes. I asked my friend if he had any product in his car to give away. He did but when I asked later if he donated anything he said no. Some of my greatest brand recognition has been from door prizes. So donate when you have a chance and get a few people at the event to yell and scream when your product is mentioned.

2. Didn't work the floor. A good Pick Up Artist, for business contacts, will move around as the night goes on. Staying in one spot, with one person doesn't really help. Your goal at these events is to make appointments to talk in depth outside of the event. There are a lot of people here that you may not see again if you don't meet them. Take advantage, move around, meet people.

3. Bad Business Name/card. Your business card is a reflection of you. My advice is to have two sets. One that is personal. Basic Name and contact information plus your personal LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter Address. It should have a conservative Photo of you. (This is for people like me who have a hard time putting faces and names together.) And of course have you Business business card. In this case my friend had won a prize in the raffle. They announce his name and a business name that I think was an ingredient or two in his health product. It was hard to pronounce and long and in the end the announcer made fun of it. Not a good impression.

4. Didn't give away prize won. I know we all like to win but if you want to make an impression give the prize to someone who expressed an interest. I noticed another prize winner did this that night and ended up exchanging cards. This makes you look like a rockstar. The best Pick Up Artist are the ones that you want to meet. This is one way to become that person.

5. Didn't take advantage of wingman. Wingman are friends that can help you look good and meet others. I learned very quickly that there are key people at these events that seem to know everyone. You need to become friend with them right away and they in turn will introduce you to other. The host of this event is one of those. I being a friend was also one. When you get to the event find your wingman and ask who you should meet that night. That wingman will bring you to the person say a couple good things about you and let you do your thing.

I have one other piece of advice at an event, get to know the photographer. If you can successfully get to know the photographer they'll take pictures of you. Sometimes a lot of pictures that end up in articles and forums. Then at the next event you'll be recognized as one of the influential people everyone should meet.

Fred Abaroa
The Marketing Imagineer
Fred [@] TMIFred.com
@TMIFred