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Social prospecting means getting involved in the community. You work all day, the go out in the evening and socialize. Some days you are in the mood, other days you want to just get home and pull a pillow over your head. Here is how to make the best use of the time you commit to attending a community event.
Setting the stage: You joined the museum. They have an opening for a new gallery exhibition every six to eight weeks. You show up for the member preview evening before the public gets in the next day. The great and the good are included in this crowd of 100+ people.
Do’s:
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Do set a goal of meeting six new people at every event you attend. You do not need to lead with business. This isn’t a networking event. Be yourself, bearing in mind anyone can be the most interesting person in the room if you get them onto their favorite subject.
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Do arrive early. When there are less people in the room, there are less people for them to be talking with because their own friends might not have gotten there yet. Here is another advantage: The food tables have not been picked over yet.
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Do be relaxed. The event runs one to two hours before they start turning out the lights. This isn’t a race to meet six people. Time is on your side. Treat everyone you meet as the most interesting and important person in the room.
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Do dress well. It makes sense the board members will be present. Probably a local politician or two. There should be a press photographer. If you dress like you are successful you should be treated that way. When photos are setup, the museum will want to send the message that wealthy and successful people are members. This improves your chances of getting into the photos.
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Do say hello to people you met previously. Be gracious. You will see familiar faces. Greet them warmly. You might have decided they don’t have business potential. They might still make good friends.
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Do smile. This sounds so obvious, but it sends a message. You are an upbeat, optimistic person. You are fun to be around.
Don’ts:
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Don’t spend time with friends from work. You can see them anytime. They have zero business potential.
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Don’t make this a drive by. Once you attend a few of these events you will notice some people, often politicians who arrive, stay a short time and leave. They might have several commitments that evening. You hear about “drive by shootings” on the Tv news. You aren’t going to meet people if you do not stay long enough to make an impression.
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Don’t crowd the food tables. There are people who attend these events and assume they will eat enough to eliminate the need for having sinner. They often stick close to the food. You did not come for a free meal. You came to meet people and socialize.
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Don’t drink too much. Free alcohol is almost as appealing as free food. This might top the list if they are pouring top shelf brands. Over imbibing can present you in a bad light, especially if you slur your words. Driving home is out of the question.
If you attend enough local events, you tend to see the same people. They get comfortable with you. This is the first step towards getting into the inner circle within your community. This takes time. It costs money. You are putting in effort meeting people and building relationships. Many of your competitors will not do it. If they attend, they might hang out with the friends and drink. If they skip the event, they are at home watching TV or a streaming service. You are building relationships.
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