Only if you don't know how to do it. Yes, there's a science to networking. If you are attending a networking meeting expecting to sell everyone and their mothers, you are doing it wrong. Networking events are to learn about other business owners and create connections and conversations that eventually lead to deals. People love talking about themselves. If you ask the right questions, they will be talking about themselves for hours and they will fell like they had an amazing conversation. Even though they did most of the talking. Here are some questions that I use every time and they work like a charm to get them going. - What do you do? - Who's your target market? - What do you like the most about what you do? - What's new in your business? - What's the biggest challenge in your business? - What sets you apart from your competition? - Why did you start your business? - What's your most popular product/service? - How do you generate most of your business? - How did you land your last client? Take mental note of their answers and follow up. The money is in the follow up! Set up a time to do a 1-2-1 at a coffee shop, or a lunch meeting and bring up names, details that they mentioned during that first encounter. They will feel heard and understood and people love that. You will be tempted to sell your services during both encounters but try to avoid selling them. Mention what you do and leave them intrigued so they ask for more info but don't make the conversation about yourself. Then you can set another time to meet and if they are a good fit, have a deep dive conversation about how you can help them. Also, I try not to give out my business cards. I take their business cards so I am in control of the follow up. Chances are they won't call you, text you or email you after the meeting. But if you have their business card, you can make sure that next conversation takes place. What are some of your best networking strategies?