On Tuesday nights at 8-9pm EDT we host a chat session on Twitter where small business owners can ask questions, share stories and make new contacts.

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For more details on the chat check out Where To Turn For Small Business Answers.

This week’s topic is Offline Networking

Expert Panel of Specialists:

• Nathan Dominguez (@networkingnate) - Executive Director for BNI Southwest

• Terry Wildemann (@terrywildemann) - CEO at Winds of Change Professional Development and
  Wellness Center and CaRUMBA Networking

Question 1: How should you develop your strategy before any networking event? #smbiz

NetworkingNate My goal is to really connect with at least 3 new people at each Networking Event I attend… #smbiz

Terrywildemann #smbiz having a yearly plan broken down into months and further in weeks helps you plan

ScottAllen @SternalMrktg Funny you should ask that. I wrote an article on preparing for networking events: http://is.gd/riIi #smbiz

Thebetsy First Strategy is sourcing the right event for you. If you sell dental equipment should you go to an executive networking event? #smbiz

NetworkingNate First I attend my BNI Meeting every Tuesday morning for consistency and regularity… #smbiz

Terrywildemann #smbiz I would go to that executive event if you sell dental equipment. You never know who they know

NetworkingNate Second, I try to attend a local Chamber Meeting per week b/c. people at Chambers Events are go-getters here in Phx. #smbiz

NetworkingNate Third, I “follow the crowd” when it comes to popular Events that have a buzz around them… Such as mixers, open houses, etc. #smbiz

NetworkingNate Before Networking you must also have the proper tools: CURRENT biz cards, notebook and pen, namebadge and a POSITIVE attitude!!! #smbiz

GeriRosman I try to set a goal of meeting X# of new people, and asking Qs to really learn about them, their biz #smbiz

NetworkingNate Finding the right people is always a crap shoot, especially the larger the Event… However doing your homework is key… #smbiz

Terrywildemann #smbiz I agree the Nate. Also check your attitude - what can you offer the people you are connecting with?

ScottAllen @NetworkingNate I’m not big on “the crowd”. I figure I can only meaningfully communicate with 10-15 people. I like small groups. #smbiz

Question 2: What are good tips to develop a great “elevator speech?” #smbiz

BulkyWebEU Q2: write all about your business, than delete all what is technical, make sure you mention benefits for customers #smbiz

ScottAllen @smbiz If you get to intro yourself to the group you should have a well-rehearsed elevator pitch that clearl communicates what you do #smbiz

Terrywildemann #smbiz Chimney sweeper - I clean chimneys – instead I’d say - you create trust and safety for families - 10 sec pitch - what’s yours?

ScottAllen @smbiz But using the elevator pitch in 1-on-1 conversation is unnatural, contrived. Learn how to converse about your business. #smbiz

Question 3: When you have the attention of a group of people, what do you want to say and accomplish? Should u be selling? #smbiz

BulkyWebEU Q3 you should give valuable info and say that if anybody want more to contact you afterwards #smbiz

Fsutoby @smbiz I think introducing who you are and what you do is important, but selling in this type of forum is tough. #smbiz

Terrywildemann #smbiz People remember how you make them feel

Terrywildemann #smbiz you don’t sell when networking - you create relationships first sell later

Karatcopy @fsutoby The hard sell goes against what u r trying to do–build trust #smbiz

ScottAllen @smbiz I usually find the reason I’ve gotten the attention of a group of people is because I’m answering someone’s question. #smbiz

Terrywildemann #smbiz check your sales hat at the door - put on your “what can I do to help you succeed” hat and you’ll be surprised at the results

Wvpmc I like to do a lot of listening and follow-up questions - if I can discover how I can help someone meet a need then easy to followup #smbiz

NetworkingNate Another TIP: have a Networking “wing-man” or “wing-woman.” I am very lucky to attend most Events with @coachtroyhenson here in Phx. #smbiz

NetworkingNate 1 strategy is to introduce yourself to anyone standing alone… #smbiz

Terrywildemann #smbiz absolutely! asking open ended questions is the way to go. people like talking about themselves

NetworkingNate another idea is to find the people that others are buzzing about… #smbiz

Wvpmc Tip I heard: easier to approach 1 or 3 people, 2 are usually entrenched in their conversation #smbiz

KristinaEvey RT @dslatter: no selling, build a repport first #smbiz VERY TRUE!!

ScottAllen @smbiz Another article - How to Work a Room: http://is.gd/riOi #smbiz

ScottAllen Short version: 1. Be memorable, in a good way. #smbiz

ScottAllen 2. Collect information. Giving out your business cards isn’t nearly as important as collecting others’ and making notes. #smbiz

ScottAllen 3. Create value for others. This is the essence of networking. Look for opportunities to be of service. #smbiz

NetworkingNate Leave the “Golden Rule” at home when Networking… It is all about the “Platinum Rule!” - Dr. Ivan Misner #smbiz

NetworkingNate Platinum Rule is treating others the way THEY want to be treated… Seeing as how most Networkers are different:) #smbiz

ScottAllen 3 people you always want to network with at an event: the speaker, the event host/organizer & the person doing registration/sign-in. #smbiz

Dslatter hand out someone else’s biz card by way of introducing a new person you just met and say something positive about that person #smbiz

BulkyWebEU don’t sit in the corner,you’re here to connect- look around and approach others #smbiz

BulkyWebEU RT @karatcopy: Before you create value, you have to uncover their needs. “What’s the #1 challenge you’re facing right now?” #smbiz

Question 4: Ok, common question – how do u gracefully bow out of a convo to go & meet others in room? #smbiz

Terrywildemann #smbiz shake the other persons hand. Thank them for the conversation. Introduce them to someone you came with and move on!

SternalPR @dslatter Thats a very good point. Invite the person to come meet new ppl with you. It’s like recruiting a wing person. #smbiz

ScottAllen Regarding ending convo: remind them they should be ending it too. “Great talking w/you. Let’s go meet some other folks.” #smbiz

Terrywildemann #smbiz @scottallen everyone needs a reminder as to why they are at the event - meeting other folks.

NetworkingNate Long talkers at Networking Events can be production killers… Always own any conversation you are in. #smbiz

Terrywildemann #smbiz being authentic is key to networking. i agree with @wvpmc- you will know when it’s time to move on

Bradfordshimp Be honest and firm. Ending conversations is easier than many people make it. Or you could say you have to go to the bathroom. #smbiz

Question 5: How do you stand out and leave a lasting impression? #smbiz

ScottAllen RT @karatcopy When you state what u do, frame it so people want more. Have a coach friend who says “I ask questions.” #smbiz

ScottAllen I like asking open-ended question that’s sure to put them in a good mood: “What are you most excited about right now?” #smbiz

Terrywildemann #smbiz lasting impressions are made after the event. Send a “nice to meet you card” and stay in touch

Karatcopy When I go to events, I put on my hostess hat-make everyone feel welcome, important #smbiz

NetworkingNate Networking is now a World Wide Sport!!! I Network in every Country and State I visit. Even went to BNI in London on our Honeymoon:) #smbiz

Thebetsy Also always ask “How Can I Help You?” Mean it. People remember people who are there to help them succeed. #smbiz

Karatcopy When I go to events, I put on my hostess hat-make everyone feel welcome, important #smbiz

dslatter: my advantage is that I’m Scottish so people remember my accent- tip put on an accent (just kidding) #smbiz

SternalPR @dslatter Hey you should wear a kilt lol #smbiz

Terrywildemann #smbiz and wearing kilts will definitely make a lasting impression! :-0

ScottAllen LOL! Yet another Q I’ve done an article on… The Importance of Being Memorable: http://is.gd/riUP #smbiz

ScottAllen 1. Be distinctive in a positive way. Can be something about your personal branding, your biz card, your appearance, whatever. #smbiz

Wvpmc Always good to remember a warm smile goes a long way in making people feel they’re important to you #smbiz

ScottAllen 2. Be fully present, fully engaged. People remember people who REALLY pay attention to them. Active listenining. #smbiz

Terrywildemann #smbiz Read the Go-Givers. Short to the point parable that leaves lasting impression.

ScottAllen 3. Ask thought-provoking questions. Open-ended are good, but frankly, do you want to be asking the same 3 questions everyone else is? #smbiz

Drjfpmd @smbiz Andrea Nierenberg’s “Million Dollar Networking” is a great source. So is her website. #smbiz

ScottAllen Find your own open-ended questions. Don’t want it to be the same ones all other “good networkers” have been taught to use. #smbiz

ScottAllen 4. Reinforce your keywords. This one’s tricky, but it’s NLP in action. Find ways to work your “anchors” into the conversation. #smbiz
Question 6: If someone is telling u a long, boring story, how can you redirect the convo into something more intrstng w/out being rude? #smbiz

Thebetsy I’m polite, I have a hard time exiting a long conversation. I’m a listener. I usually try to redirect the conversation. #smbiz

ScottAllen Find ways to unobtrusively increase the occurrence of these things in your conversation. Is there a story behind your name? #smbiz
Question 7: What are some secrets to having ur business card stand out? How shld u best use biz cards? #smbiz

Connectingwomen Business cards, IMO, should be in color. #smbiz

Bradfordshimp be sure to include your picture - people will remember you face more easily. #smbiz

NetworkingNate Busienss cards are great branding when done right… I do not recommend the free ones from the Internet.. Just me. #smbiz

Terrywildemann #smbiz remember that YOUR name is what people need to see. Not the name of the company. You are an ambassador of your company.

ScottAllen @terrywildemann Generally I agree. But if your name is John Smith & your company is Fantastic Photos, guess which they’ll remember. #smbiz

Wvpmc The Japanese treat a business card with reverence - they accept it with both hands and spend a moment looking at it #smbiz

Karatcopy Splurge on high quality stock. It will make yours stand out from the rest #smbiz

Dslatter @NetworkingNate agree, treat someones biz card with respect, look at it and don’t just stuff it in your pocket #smbiz

Connectingwomen Business cards are a representation of you. Make sure they are of excellent quality. #smbiz

BulkyWebEU  technical - unusual form, you can add scratch field on it with some prize, they will call you at least once to get the prize #smbiz

DrFernKazlow @smbiz Must reflect branding - I use two sided-card, red, picture, memorable wording, quality look and feel #smbiz

ScottAllen @SBDCNewport I disagree. Please DON’T use the back of your biz card for anything. Best use is for people you meet to take notes on it #smbiz

Terrywildemann #smbiz Get a good photo. outside shots offer wonderful natural energy.

Thebetsy Check out http://cardobserver.com/ They have some spectacular cards #smbiz

ScottAllen @SBDCNewport Best value you can get from your biz card is them writing a note re: how they’re going to follow up w/you. #smbiz

NMHill @SternalPR I like oddly shaped biz cards (although mine’s a std rectangle) - also bright colors, not boring white bkgrd. #smbiz
Question 8: How can u merge the powers of social (online) networking into networking at an event? #smbiz

Terrywildemann #smbiz 3 hours ago I was speaking to a group and announced that I was on this chat tongith and some are here!

Fsutoby @smbiz We’ve managed to do it with our Monthly @TilsonPR Tweet-ups…It’s Twitter for business. #smbiz

SternalMrktg: I’m going to incorporate my twitter & Linkedin URLs on biz cards #smbiz

BulkyWebEU: ask beforehand people on your online network who is coming and meet them #smbiz
Question 9: What r some other good places to network at that many ppl may not be thinking of? Supermarket, weddings, etc? #smbiz

SternalPR @connectingwomen Great point. PTA meetings. #smbiz

NetworkingNate EVERYWHERE is the best place to Network… True story: I met a guy at a funeral recently and we are now Networking together:) #smbiz

NetworkingNate Sitting on an airplane is a great place to Network… #smbiz

Connectingwomen @SternalPR @rainakader took golf lessons when she was an under grad, college of business strongly recommended. #smbiz

karatcopy: Starbucks–I know lots of folks and I sit & talk to regulars. Lots of connectors hang out there in mornings #smbiz

NetworkingNate: Golfing with a random pairing is a great place to Network… #smbiz
terrywildemann: #smbiz networking opportunites are everywhere as long as you have a giving attitude vs. WIIFM attitude
Question 13: What r some tips for follow up after the networking event? #smbiz

Connectingwomen @SternalPR Maybe meet for lunch? Be sure to attend the next function/event if open to public. #smbiz

Wvpmc If you’ve determined how you can help someone, follow-up is a natural - just do what you said you’d do #smbiz

NetworkingNate I am a reseller of SendOutCards but my Wife and I primarly signed up to use it… Great follow-up tool!!! #smbiz

fsutoby: @smbiz A thoughtful email saying it was great meeting them. #smbiz

terrywildemann: #smbiz email is ok for follow up. Sending a card takes it up several notches. Studies show people like thank you notes.

DrFernKazlow: @smbiz Send out cards, clip of something interesting 2 them, book, something related 2 their interest ( from recomm of choc 2 choc) #smbiz

Question 14: What are good resources (online and offline) to become a better networker? Self promo is ok here. #smbiz

Terrywildemann #smbiz I am doing a networking series with Connectwomen on Saturdays in April at 1pmEST. Focus this week is the networking plan!

fsutoby: @smbiz Joining your local chamber is a good resource…learning about social media and how it can help your business is another. #smbiz

terrywildemann: #smbiz Tip: keep your BC in your right pocket and the ones you collect in your left pocket. Keep your drink in your left hand so you can shake

DrFernKazlow: I teach people how 2 Power Connect on & offline. It’s not who U know, or who knows U, it’s who & what U Power Connect w/! #smbiz
Next Week’s Topic: How Small Business Can Get Funding