How Networking Boosts Profits
When there are thousands of professionals in one spot, should you grab as many business cards as possible? Or should you simply connect with those you know will help your business grow and increase profits?
The networking possibilities at ISA International Sign Expo 2015 will be endless. There are more events planned than ever before. That means more opportunities to benefit your business and to make powerful connections. Whether you make one important connection or dozens, successful networking means fighting against the urge to just spend time with people you already know.
Sure, there are benefits to re-connecting with your suppliers’ sales representatives or catching up with peer sign company owners. But don’t spend all of your time here; focus on making new connections.
Networking comes naturally to some people. Others must work on it intentionally. For those who fall into the latter, here are some tips:
- Go into each networking event with a goal in mind.
- How many people do you plan to connect with? Chances are, you won’t make meaningful connections with the entire room; this isn’t speed dating after all. So pick a realistic number, perhaps based on the length of the event.
- Use that goal as a guide. Be willing to toss that goal out the window if you meet an important connection.
- Think of each person as a potential partner or even friend. This will help you overcome hesitations in approaching a person or even group of people. You have nothing to lose by making contact, but so much to gain – it’s worth the effort.
ISA International Sign Expo offers a number of networking events. Some are themed, like dynamic digital signage or connecting national and custom sign companies. You can be sure that you have something in common with other participants. Others, like the Lounge and Learn, Education Sessions and Last Hour Happy Hour, are more open-ended.
For more networking tips, head over to signexpo.org. And remember, ISA Sign Expo is April 8–11 in Las Vegas! See you there.
