How To Be More Memorable When Networking

Being remembered is what we’re all ultimately striving for from networking.

It’s becoming the person people think of when they (or someone they know) needs what you do.

How you interact with others when networking is the fastest way to achieve this.

You can have others gravitate towards you at events.

They'll be looking out for you on the guest list.

And long after the event, when the real magic happens, you’re more likely to be the first person they think of when they (or someone they know) needs what you do.

Unfortunately, many networkers miss out on this because of their ‘what’s in it for me’ attitude to networking.

The reality is; that’s a way to want to be forgotten.

Not exactly what you’re looking for.

It’s about leaving people charged up and excited to want to around you.

Here’s how.

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You’ve no doubt heard the ‘know, like and trust’ phrase when it comes to networking.

To be known, that’s easy. As soon as I meet you I now know you.

To be trusted, maybe it’s just me, but I trust you until you give me reason not to.

But to be liked, this is the one that comes down to how you approach networking and conversations.

And like it or not, this is decided from the first interaction and impression.

Then continually scrutinised, particularly when you’re in the early relationship building stage.

It’s this that makes you more memorable.

And you can get there by networking with what I call a ‘Battery Charger’ approach.

Where you leave people feeling charged up after your interaction. Rather than drained.

You know those kind of people, right?

Let’s explore how to be more like them.

How to Be More Charger Than Drainer

I’m not suggesting you have to go into every event as the most charismatic, energetic, or inspiring person.

There are simple considerations to be aware of to be more charger than drainer.

Here are six to consider ahead of your next event:

Take a genuine interest in others.

Instead of making conversations about you, ask questions about them and show genuine interest in their business and lives.

You never know what they’ve done, what they’re interested in, or where they’ve been.

Don’t try and top them, try to understand and make them feel heard.

Avoid complaining or moaning.

Resist. The. Urge.

It seems most networkers are wired to highlight a negative in a quest to bond with others.

Be it the pouring rain, or dreadful traffic, or the coffee not being warm enough.

What good is starting a conversation this way?

These interactions drain the energy of others and leave a negative impact.

Leave your moans and complaints outside the door.

Listen to understand, not reply.

You were given one mouth and two ears. Use them in proportion.

Good networking isn’t just about you exercising your speaking skills, but your listening skills too.

It’s a skill rarely demonstrated - and an easy way to stand out and be remembered.

Avoid thinking about your next conversation. Or what you’ve got to say.

Actively listening makes others feel heard. That charges them up.

Root for others.

If you hear someone sharing something that’s exciting for them, celebrate it. Get behind them.

See it as a chance to dive into why it’s exciting and what it means for them.

Positivity breeds positivity.

Seek to help and leave value.

Where appropriate, and where you’re able to, try to help others.

Be it:

• A podcast, book or article recommendation.
• An introduction you can make.
• Some experience or advice you can share.
• Another event or group to check out.

To be more memorable, make your interaction a worthwhile and valuable.

Seek to help and let the laws of reciprocity go to work.

Bring others together.

This could be facilitating an introduction between other guests,

Or if you notice someone wanting to get involved in your conversation, bring them in.

This approach has two benefits, it charges the people you introduce or include, and feels great for you.

Win win!

The Wrap Up

These are free, easy to apply approaches to your networking.

You’ll leave others charged up from your interactions. You’ll be become more memorable.

If you:

1. Take a genuine interest in others
2. Avoid complaining and moaning
3. Listen to understand, not reply
4. Root for others
5. Seek to help and leave value
6. Bring others together

Remember those events you leave feeling charged up, thinking their was a ‘buzz’ in the room?

It’s likely it was a room of networkers living by ‘battery charger’ behaviours.

These are the type of rooms you want to be in.

This is the type of networker you should want to become.

Happy networking.