Don't Let this Happen to You!

This is a true story told by a man who attended one of our public courses, who WISHED he had attend one of our courses 2 days previously...

"A message came through my P.A. saying I was invited to an event by a major supplier 7.30-8. My diary was free so I said fine. After work I had some time to kill, so I went for a couple of beers. I then headed off but realised I didn't know exactly where the venue was. It was beginning to get late but I wasn't too worried thinking there will be enough people there for me just to slip in. After asking the way a couple of times I arrived about 8.15, at this small but exclusive hotel, a touch nervous as it was getting late.

I walked in to find, to my astonishment, that it was a quiet dinner for 4! The two senior officers of the company were our hosts, one of whom was a knight of the realm. To say I was now feeling nervous and anxious is an understatement. Had I known what was to happen I would have put my best suit on, had mints in my pocket and even cleaned my shoes! Names were exchanged and I was only able to hear two of the three. I was so overwhelmed I never did find out one of my host's names. Topics were covered which went over my head. But I survived... just."

What are the learning points from this story?

When we go to meetings with clients and prospects we prepare. If we didn't we'd feel nervous, vulnerable, anxious and exposed…the list goes on. When you attend business related events you are going to meet potential prospects, maybe existing clients and contacts. Consider some of these planning points.

• Who's going to be there
• Doing some research
• Ascertaining the format
• Knowing the timings
• Where it is
• What to wear
• What to talk about
• Ensuring you ask someone to repeat their name when you don't hear it. They'll never say "I told you once; I'm not going to tell you again!"

Click here to view a video tip on the preparation and planning of attending networking events.