How can you make the most of networking events for CRM?

1 Prepare before the event

Before you attend a networking event, do some research on the organizers, speakers, and attendees. Find out what their goals, challenges, and interests are, and how you can add value to them. Also, set some specific objectives for yourself, such as how many people you want to meet, what kind of conversations you want to have, and what actions you want to take after the event. Having a clear plan will help you focus your time and energy on the most relevant and beneficial contacts.

2 Be genuine and helpful

At the event, avoid being too salesy or pushy. Instead, be genuine and helpful, and show interest in the people you meet. Ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and share relevant insights or resources. Also, try to find common ground and build rapport with your contacts. For example, you can mention something you learned from their website, blog, or social media, or compliment them on their work or presentation. The goal is to establish trust and credibility, and create a positive impression.

5 Measure and improve

Finally, to make the most of networking events for CRM, you need to measure and improve your results. You can use your CRM system to track and analyze your networking activities, such as how many contacts you made, how many leads you generated, how many sales you closed, and how much revenue you earned. You can also use your CRM system to identify the best sources, methods, and messages for your networking efforts, and optimize them accordingly. By measuring and improving your performance, you can increase your return on investment and grow your business.