4 Step Plan to Boost Your Confidence at Business Networking Events: Step 2

What the partners of Leicestershire based 
Morgan GleaveArt & Design 
have learnt during 12 years of running 
a small business. 

Step 2:  Prepare your weapons!

Unless you already have, you may like to look at 4 Step Plan to Boost Your Confidence at Business Networking Events:  Step 1

Your weapons are information and planning. Confidence will grow from knowing that whatever happens, you can deal with it.

You need to spend time looking at every aspect of getting to the event in good time and with everything you may need.

(Yes, Be Prepared', just like a Scout... Do stop singing.  We cannot be doing with Ging Gang Goolieing just now.  No, it is not rude.  It is just a nonsense song.  Now, stop laughing and pull yourself together so that we can get on.)

A)  Plan Travel

• Plan your route

• Check travel details

• Check event time, date, location

• Book bus/train tickets 

• Book taxis

•  Plan leaving time allowing for possible delays.

• Check your car.  Do the usual checks such as tyre tread, oil and so on.  

Ensure that it looks smart and clean.  

Avoid buying petrol en route to an important event.

• Work out where to park...

... especially if you plan to arrive by horse.

B)  Pack your bag in good time

First, declutter your bag.  If you do not need it, leave it at home or in your car boot.

(No, I did not mean that people should put cats in the boots of their cars.  I assumed that the people reading this would have the common sense to realise that...  Well, most people are NOT like you, are they?)

Then ensure that you have everything you need.

Suggested Checklist:

• Event details.

• Keys

• Mobile

• Cash.  Including change for parking 

• Bank cards

• Membership card for AA, RAC or similar.  If you are not a member or a breakdown service and you are given to anxiety, do consider it.  

• Notebook, pen

• Fully charged mobile(s)

• Personal items eg tissues, glasses 

• Business cards.  Keep business cards pristine in a holder, but ensure that you have a few that are easily accessible in your bag or pocket.  You want to be able to produce one quickly and without fuss.

(Well, yes, a good trick if you can pull it off.  It would certainly get you and your business noticed -probably not  a good idea for unconfident people...)


C)  Plan what you are going to say

• Think of some questions to ask other business owners.  Try to make them open questions i.e. questions that cannot be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no' in order to foster conversation.

• Think of a succinct answer when you are asked to explain what your business is.  Do not try to sell, just explain.  Use positive language.

(No, recording it and just playing it back would not give a good impression!)

• Practice introducing yourself.  People want to network at networking events so it is easier to go up to someone and say, 'Hello, I'm Esmeralda Twoshoes' than it is at other social events.  Practice doing it confidently.  Even if you do not feel confident, pretend.  The more you force yourself to do the things a confident person would do, the more confident you will feel.

Finally, just for fun!

“Organising is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up”

A. A. Milne

Click Here for Step 3 which deals with your final preparations.


Related Links:

• 4 Step Plan to Boost Your Confidence at Business Networking Events:  Step 1

• 4 Step Plan to Boost Your Confidence at Business Networking Events :  Step 3

• 4 Step Plan to Boost Your Confidence at Business Networking Events:  Step 4

You may also find the following links useful:

• 10 Things Not To Do at a Networking Event 

• 2 Easy Techniques to Calm and Relax You at (Almost) Anywhere and at Anytime.

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