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Most professional business people don’t need too much coaching to network at a conference. This is especially true for NALMCO members. However, NALMCO’s Speed Dating program is a very special networking event that requires organized preparation to get the most out of the event. The event is designed to allow General Members to have a brief conversation with Associate Members to learn what the other does and decide if there is more to talk about. If there is a match in the products or services discussed, then a separate meeting might be scheduled at the Associate’s booth or another location during the conference. I can tell you from experience that being prepared will help you develop the relationships necessary to develop your business within the NALMCO organization.

Here are several tips for preparing for NALMCO Speed Dating.

Associate Members

ˍ Understand that the event allows more than sixty (60) Associate Members to meet with NALMCO’s General Membership to provide a very brief overview of their products or services. Each of these visits are followed by a one minute break as the you move to the next table.

ˍ Do your research. Use the NALMCO website membership directory to learn who the General Members are and what they do.

ˍ Develop your introductory pitch. You only have two minutes to introduce yourself, describe your products or services, learn what the General Member does and if there is a reason for further discussion. If you don’t prepare, you may leave out some key reasons for working with you or run out of time to explore ways to work together.

ˍ Ask for a separate meeting during the conference if you think there is solid fit or if the General Member expresses a use for your offering. You will have a card with times listed for scheduled meetings during the exhibition hours.

ˍ Be sure to ask for a business card. It’s important to support your investment in time and money to attend the conference by recording your activity.

ˍ Don’t push for meetings just to have another meeting. If you have a compelling product or service that the General Member uses or has expressed an interest in, they will agree to meet. If they don’t, be gracious and continue to follow up postconference.

ˍ Understand that these professional long-term relationships develop over years. Recording contact information developed each year helps you keep up with changes in the industry and forge the close relationships required to succeed. I have personally earned more business each year I have been a participating member of NALMCO.

ˍ Develop appropriate expectations from the event. Writing a large order during this conference is possible but not likely. In my experience, Associate Members win far more business in the long run by developing these professional relationships that earn the trust required for an ongoing partnership.

General Members

ˍ Understand that the event allows more than sixty (60) Associate Members to sit down with you for two minutes to provide a very brief overview of their products or services. Each of these visits are followed by a one minute break as the Associates move to the next table.

ˍ Be prepared with a quick overview of what your business does and why you are a NALMCO member. This may help the visiting Associate understand very quickly if there might be a professional fit.

ˍ Labor-only General Members benefit from meeting Associate Members. If you are a labor-only General Member, it is still of value to meet with material suppliers. They may not only fulfill material needs in the rare vent you do require material, but they become a force multiplier for your network. Many manufacturers will recommend labor-only members to their clientele from their own NALMCO network.

ˍ Be sure to bring enough business cards for exchange. There may be 2 or 3 Associates per meeting so having two hundred (200) cards should be sufficient.

ˍ Have water or a beverage when you sit down. There will be a lot of talking in a brief period of time, and you’ll be glad you did.

ˍ If you don’t think you can stay at the meeting table for three hours, try to schedule another member of your company to be there with you so you can take quick break. Having two members from your company with you can also increase the number of beneficial relationships formed during the event.

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