Use This Framework When Networking in September

September is always a popular networking month.

Networking events, exhibitions, conferences, awards nights, it's a busy event period.

It won't be long until your diary fills up (if it hasn't already).

Add to that, you might be refreshed from a holiday.

Or sending the kids back to school.

But you're ready to get back into it.

To finish the final few months of the year strong.

It won't be long until you're making lots of new contacts, arranging 1-1s, following up on conversations.

Staying organised, keeping on top of all the events, and ensuring you're networking effectively can be hard.

Use the 'Networking Event Sandwich Framework' to keep you on track.

There's 3 parts to it.

Part 1 - The Base

Just like a sandwich needs a good foundation, your event preparation is essential.

You don’t want to turn up not knowing what’s to come and who is there, right?

Simple ways to prepare could be:

1. Research the guest list - who can you connect with? Who can you reconnect with? Who can you connect together? Or the '3 Whos Framework' as I like to call it.
2. Connect with attendees on LinkedIn - start the networking before stepping into the room. Introduce yourself after connecting and you have a face to look out for at the event now too.
3. Plan your day around the event - can you meet a client, prospect, or connection in the area before or after? Maximise your time networking, by turning it from a networking event, into a networking day.

Foundation-builders such as these take no time at all.

But mean you’re arriving prepared having warmed up conversations to continue during the event.

Talking of which…

Part 2 - The Filling

This is the event itself.

With your networking approach and skills dictating how nutritious your experience is.

A nutritious filling includes:

• Joining conversations - politely and confidently, it's not as scary as you might think, try this.
• Asking good questions - being curious about others and stimulating interesting conversation.
• Introducing yourself clearly - there's no harm in crafting a memorable introduction.
• Sharing how others can help you - not just telling everyone how busy you are (yawn).
• Remembering names - the sweetest sound to anyone, but sometimes the hardest thing to do.
• Including others in conversations - try the 'Swivelling Spotlight' approach.
• Making introductions - making a positive impact on two people, not just one.
• Leaving conversations - in a timely manner, try the White Flag Approach if you struggle with this.

You'd be the ultimate networker if you achieved all these at an event

It's be the ultimate sandwich filling.

Whilst it's doable, they are skills your need to learn and put the reps in. Soon they'll be habits.

It's why in the The Networkers Playbook, I have dedicated bitesize actionable lessons on all these points alone.

Now, you've been to the event. It's after where the magic happens.

Part 3 - The Topping

I'll be honest, I struggled with what to call part 3.

Any ideas?

But just like how the bread keeps the sandwich from falling apart, your activity after an event solidifies the connections you made at the event.

This could include:

• Following up your conversations - send that email or LinkedIn message, it won't be long until your conversation is a fading memory.
• Organising new contacts - add them to a CRM or networking tracker
• Booking onto the next event - this creates consistency and gives you another touchpoint and opportunity to build on conversations if you don't get chance between events.

This part is one that many forget about or ignore.

Doing it puts you ahead of the competition.

The event doesn't end when you walk out the door.

The Wrap Up

Next time you book onto an event, hopefully you’ll now view it as your filling.

But will take serious consideration to the bread holding it together.

Planning your time before and after accordingly.

Because whilst reducing the bread out of your sandwiches may be good for your waistline.

It's not for your networking.

Happy networking.​

P.S. the 'Networking Event Sandwich' features heavily within The Networkers Playbook - so if you're a visual learner, looking for practical ways to apply it, purchasing the playbook gives you lifetime access to keep going back to it.