5 Tips for FaBulous 1-to-1s

Would you like to have a one-to-one?

This is a question you commonly hear at networking events, although it can be less formal; "shall we have a coffee" or "are you free later for a chat?

Networking events are typically busy and loud, making them excellent for meeting new people but not for those lengthy and deep conversations. You do, however, need those deeper conversations as the more you get to know about someone and their business, the more ways you will discover you can help one another. Hence the one-to-one!?

The fundamentals of the one-to-one:

1. First, make sure you are asking for one-to-ones!

Meeting new people is great, but you need to build those relationships. When you go to an event or join a networking group, connect with everyone and invite them to have a one-to-one. We recommend connecting on LinkedIn and sending an invite message. If you are time-strapped, prioritise your invitations to people who share the same customers as you. For example, if you are an IFA, make sure you have a one-to-one with every accountant you meet.

2. In-person vs online?

With the rise of online networking, there are now more ways to have a one-to-one. Meeting someone in person will take longer, especially with travel time, but the conversation will flow more naturally and you will get to know them better. On the other hand, meeting online is a big time saver but internet lags and background noise does make it harder to have a productive conversation. We again recommend prioritising, invite everyone for an online one-to-one initially, but make time for in-person meetings, especially for those your work has the most synergy with.?

3. 121’s aren’t just for new people.

It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking of one-to-ones as the next step when you meet someone, however, regular contact is what builds lasting relationships. Make time to invite people in your network for one-to-ones, things change quickly in your business and they will for your contacts as well. Keep everyone up to date with what you are up to and keep yourself abreast of your contacts’ businesses. That way you are in the best position to work together and help each other.?

4. Keep it balanced.

Talk about yourself and your business AND ask about them and their business. Remember the more questions you ask the more information you have and the more opportunities you can find.?

5. If you say you will, do!

If you agree to follow up or make an introduction, make sure you do it. Ideally, do it there and then. The idea is to help each other, so live up to your end of that.

Now you know the fundamentals of the 121, get out there, make those connections and get to know them!

Want to meet new people to have a 1 to 1 with? Then come to a FindaBiz Networking meeting. Visit our website to find your nearest meeting, or book for our free weekly online networking!

www.findabiznetworking.com