Networking Best Practices: Turning Connections into Powerful Partnerships

Today you will learn: 1. How to determine what industry events and associations are the best fit for your brand 2. Best practices for networking and the benefits of leadership roles 3. Strategies creative partners can implement to become distinguished and get on a venue’s preferred list 4. Best practices for communication leading up to and during the event day

When it comes to networking events, what is the right fit for me?

But what if the options in my market are limited?

Networking Best Practices Prior to arrival •

Do your homework and find out who’s attending

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Make sure you have business cards

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Research the venue

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Research who produced the event

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Pick an outfit that makes you feel confident

Should I bring a friend?

Networking Best Practices During the event

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SMILE and be approachable

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Don’t seclude yourself, but at the same time don’t be a lurker

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Ask questions and listen- don’t hijack a conversation

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Ask for the preferred method of communication

I’ve made a connection!

Now what?

Automatically add them to your email database?

Ask if it’s ok to contact them to follow up?

Immediately friend them on all your social media platforms?

Follow up with an email or a phone call?

Get Involved in Your Chapter

Why Should I Take On a Leadership Role?

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You’ll be in the know about what’s happening in your market

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You’ll connect with the key players in your market

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You’ll have the opportunity to work with people you may not have known

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You’ll be viewed as a leader in your market

Are you getting a good ROI or are you getting burned?

Best Practices to Being a Creative Partner Before the Event •

Do your homework and find out who you will be working with

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Send an email to introduce yourself to all of the other creative partners involved and include any information relevant to the services you’re providing

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Make sure you share your day of contact information

Best Practices to Being a Creative Partner During the Event •

Be open and friendly to all - don’t be cliquey!

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Help out when you can and in any way you can

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Think of yourself as a guest in someone’s home

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Get to know all the members of staff, not just the “main players”

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Always be visible and communicate constantly

Best Practices to Being a Creative Partner After the Event •

Send a thank you email to the venue and ask for feedback

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Send a thank you email to the entire creative partner team and let them know you look forward to working together again

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Follow up with any new connections

Brooke and Bryn Photography!

Brooke Beasley Photography!

How Do I Get On Your Preferred Vendor List?!

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Never make it your first (or even fifth) ask

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Study the list and get to know them - they could be the key to getting added!

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Ask about the process in general

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Once you’re on, NEVER take it for granted the list is reviewable and renewable

How Can I Stay Top Of Mind?

Elements of Surprise and Delight

How Can I Stay Top Of Mind?

Celebrate obscure National Holidays

How Can I Stay Top Of Mind?

Make it your own don’t do what everyone else does!

Your To-Do List ✓ Do I need to create a networking opportunity in my area? ✓ How can I get more involved in my area? ✓ Identify your touch points - do I need to revise my behavior? ✓ Assess your current relationships - are you where you want to be? What can you do to get there?

Today You Learned‌ 1. How to determine what industry events and associations are the best fit for your brand 2. Best practices for networking and the benefits of leadership roles 3. Strategies vendors can implement to become distinguished and get on a venue’s preferred list 4. Best practices for communication leading up to and during the event day

Connect With Me! www.facebook.com/kevindennisjwic www.facebook.com/WeddingIQ

Kevin Dennis, JWIC @kevinmdennis @wedding_IQ

@kevindennisjwic

Thank You!