How to Get an ROI on Your Networking Events, Without Being Salesy

In-person networking events have the power to accelerate your business growth tenfold, but only if you do them right! 

I've been to many a networking events with dried out sandwiches, awkward looking members who are secretly praying 'please don't speak to me' while the host shamelessly pitches at you, that leave you regretting all of your life decisions. When done right, an in-person event can make you richer in more ways than just money by:

• Allowing you to bypass the social media algorithm, and increase your visibility and chance of opportunities to grow your business. 
• Increasing your connections (your secret gamechanger), that can lead to referrals, suppliers and collaborations. By leveraging my network 4 years ago, I managed to take a 6 month social media break and still grew my business by 70%. I appeared on Podcasts, as a Guest Expert in their membership groups and attended online summits as an expert. 
• Seeing the evidence of what is possible for you too. When you see real world examples of the success that you crave, it breaks down mindset barriers that tell you it's not possible, and allows you to see how their strategies could work for you too. 
• Learning new strategies (you don't know what you don't know right?), and getting your questions answered face to face. 
• Doing a vibe check for potential Mentors to see if you are aligned in values and personality. 
• Finding your support squad and tribe of women who you can brainstorm with in the future.
• And most importantly, raising your vibrations and having fun - which is the secret to longevity in business

And most importantly…

• Getting outside of your physical environment and daily routines, which forces you to think and act in different ways than you would do normally. This allows for big picture thinking, that will lead to different outcomes. Remember, next level results requires next level actions! 

If you haven't already claimed your ticket for the ultimate in-person event of the year, The Wealthy Woman CEO Event in November, you can do so here

So, with this all being said, how can you ensure that you get an ROI on your investment in time and tickets, without being too salesy to prospective leads and connections? 

Here are my top tips below: 

• Set your intentions before you go, that this event will be a gamechanger, in one way or another for your business. A lot of the time people go, because it's nice to get out of the house, and fail to leverage the moment for the money making opportunity that it is. It's nice to be nice, but it's also nice to see your business grow and be paid for your gifts. 
• Check that your ideal client or peers will be at the event. Don't just go to any event that you are invited to, be discerning. Time is just as important as money, especially in the beginning when that is most likely all that you have to spend! 
• Ensure that you have your elevator pitch refined. If someone asks you what you do, they don't want your life's story! They are trying to discern for themselves if it's worth investing time in a conversation with you. Be succint, bold in your gifts and intentional with who you can help, so that they can mentally file you into the appropriate cabinet for future use. I always ask people what they do, as my black book of contacts is something I take pride in. Those that leave a lasting impression, are the ones that I can mentally match up to potential clients in my network. If I don't undersand what they do, or who in my network they could be useful to, I will instantly forget them. (Hazard of my ADHD brain!). Equally if they don't seem excited about what they do, I wont be either! 
• Have a QR code with your contact details prepared in advance. Don't expect people to have to use their detective skills to find you. Even with good intentions, they may forget or mis spell your name. Make it as easy as possible for people to find you (they aren't Liam Neeson in  'Taken') while you are in the moment and there is nothing easier than having a QR code ready that they can scan, which will take them directly through to your main social platform. 
• Focus on making a few meaningful connections, than trying to 'work the room'. Equally, don't be the loudest women in the room who needs to be 'seen'. No one likes that woman, and we all try to avoid her push energy. Find the people you click with, or have aligned goals and values with, and double down on those. 
• Have fun and take inspiration from the success stories that you hear. There is nothing more magnetic than a woman who is genuinly enjoying herself and fully present in the moment. If you feel triggered by those that are seemingly more advanced in their journey than you, remind yourself that The Law of Oneness states that what is possible for you, is possible for all. In other words, if she can do it - so can you! Don't allow comparing yourself, or feeling like a small fish in a giant pond, stop you from enjoying the moment and learning from others. 
• Carve out time to implement and follow up. If you have invested in attending an event, the worst thing you can do is not follow up with connections you have made, or fail to integrate (and implement) what you have learned. This is why, for my event I will be hosting a follow up Q&A Integration Session after the event, to support the women to do just that. Engage on your prospect's socials, book a virtual coffee chat and build meaningful connections with the women that you align with - it could lead to your next collaboration, client or business partner!

If you only do one thing, be intentional, be yourself and have fun - the right clients or connections will either feel and match your energy, or dissapear from your orbit. The Universe has a funny way of sifting out those that are not meant for you! 

Let me know if I have missed anything below!