It has been suggested that we meet 80,000 people in a typical lifetime. How many of those do we remember? Not many!
And therein lies the challenge for every networker. How do we create a lasting impression on those we meet? It’s something we need to work on.
I don’t have all the answers but here are a few suggestions to start with.
First impressions count.
We only have a few seconds to make a first impression; make the wrong one and research shows that it takes a lot of time and effort to correct it. In some cases we won’t get that opportunity.
It’s vital therefore that we do all we can to create that good first impression.
We need to get ourselves into the right headspace when meeting new people. If we have a lot going on in our lives it’s worth stopping before we enter an event to get ourselves ‘into the zone’. Take a minute to park the mind monkeys and to focus on the present. Find your smile, the genuine one, the one that lights up your eyes. Greet people warmly and focus on the person in front of you (too many people make the mistake of scanning the room for new connections).
Will these things make you memorable? Probably not but they are a start.
It’s easier to be remembered for an unfavourable first impression but who wants to do that?
Be distinctive.
You can’t stand out in a sea of grey suits if you are wearing one and have no other distinguishing features. Consider wearing something different but appropriate. Rachel Harris from Accountant_she is known for wearing a soft, light pink… her brand colours. It helps her to stand out in a profession known for being male, grey, and boring.
Wearing your brand colours can be a great way to stand out whilst also helping people connect you with your business. It helps if your brand colours suit you of course.
If colour doesn’t work for you could you wear some distinctive accessories? A former client of mine wore jewellery made from conkers as a link to her business name.
When you do something consistently you help people to recall you and what you do. I have a bit of a reputation for being the lady in teal. How do you stand out from the crowd?
Don’t be bland and boring. Be interesting or interested. Show your personality. You don’t need everyone to like you, but you do want to attract those you would enjoy associating or working with.
Tell a story.
It’s our life experience that makes us unique. How did you get to where you are? What has shaped you? Who has influenced you? When did you decide what you wanted to become? Why do you do what you do? Where did you start your business journey?
Your answers to these questions will reveal an element of your story. That story will be unique. No-one else can tell the same story. Which elements of your story are most enlightening or engaging? Find that, tell it well, and people will remember you. They may not remember your name, but they will remember some of your story and that might be enough for them to find you again.
Be kind.
You’re probably familiar with the Maya Angelou quote, ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ Your challenge is to make people feel good.
Being kind helps. A shy new networker will appreciate some support and introductions. A speaker will be grateful to the person who breaks the silence when questions are called for, especially with a positive response. A meeting host will be grateful for help in making the meeting work for everyone present.
Be positive.
Sadly, it’s all too easy to remember those whose glass is always half empty. I guess that they hope for an empathetic response to their troubles but once we know a moan is someone’s default setting we are less likely to engage with them.
I’m not suggesting we should be inauthentic… that won’t help build trust. If business is bad or life difficult it’s OK to say so, so long as it doesn’t become a habit. And if you can find a positive spin even better, e.g. ‘Things are a bit too quiet at the moment but at least that’s giving me more time for networking.’
Sometimes we might need to look for areas outside of work for positive conversation topics. What has inspired you recently? It might be a book, a programme, or a talk for instance.
Follow up.
Don’t expect to be memorable simply because you showed up. The actions above will help but people need reminding. That’s where the follow up is so vital.
For many of us time is our most precious resource, and we want to prioritise our use of it. Not everyone will be ready for a one to one meeting when you’ve just met. Connecting on social media and then following up with meaningful engagement over time should help you to build a relationship. You can become memorable to them through the support you give them and the wisdom of your contributions.
Following up can also help people to file you in the right part of their memory. They probably won’t need to think about you every day, but you want them to remember you when they, or someone they know, has need of your services. Staying in touch either via regular meetings, social media or email (but don’t add them to your email marketing list without permission) will help people to remember you for all the right reasons.
How do you help people to remember you? Have you experienced tricks other people have used to help you remember them? Which left you with a positive memory? I’d love some more ideas. In this 24/7 world of constant connection being remembered for the right things is one of the keys to success.
Author Glenda Shawley is MD of Fabulous Networking and a real believer that it’s often the people we know that create our greatest opportunities. It’s the people in her network that have helped her to grow her business and personal skills and the people she turns to when she spots an opportunity for them.
