Melbourne Cup is a great opportunity for business owners to mix, mingle and network. If you’re heading out to one of the gazillion events being hosted on the ‘day which stops a nation’ then it’s not just about food, drink and betting.
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In fact, keep the drink to a reasonable level.
If you are a business owner, and lots of other people are around; being a silly or loud inebriated spectacle will not win you points or respect. If you own a business, then you really are ‘on show’ all the time, so behave properly, dress appropriately – though of course do have a nice time.
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Mingle.
There is sometimes the temptation to hang around with your partner, best friend or buddy. Endeavour to mix around a little, say hello to people you may vaguely know and chat to those in food or drink queues.
Learn How to Remember a Name When Networking
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Take lots of business cards, but don’t shove them in people’s faces.
This is a social event and whilst people’s conversations may invariably turn to business, don’t be in ‘sell’ mode. Be prepared but not pushy.
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Discreetly take notes on the day.
If someone does express interest in your service, then is not the time to take action but rather make a note to follow up the next day. If you are having a couple of drinks or are with a large group, chances are you will forget, so perhaps message yourself a reminder.
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Be sure to introduce others; a great networker is like a hostess – always connecting everyone.
You may say “but what’s in it for me?” … lots actually. Think of karma; what goes around comes around so I can assure you that being a good host / networker will benefit you indirectly.
Melbourne Cup is a great opportunity to network and possibly make some great business connections. Have a great time, but also be partially in business mode, have a lovely time and remember the sacred rule of business / networking / sales > the gold is in the follow up. This might be the day which stops a nation, but it doesn’t need to be a day you stop business networking.
