I recently attended my first networking event and wrote a checklist on some of the things I've learnt that you need to pre-prepare.

Just wondered if there's anything else you can add that would assist VAs before making the plunge into "real-life" networking?

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Bridie's Typing Services
Celebrating 10 years in biz

I'm in Wisconsin. How do you find out about networking events in your area? Where should I look?

Thanks, Bridie. Checklists are always good to have, and I've been 'winging' it when I attend my networking around town. One of my posts today mentioned how I 'forgot' to bring along my newly created badge. So, Thank you!!

Dear CCI - Networking events are posted on LinkedIn regularly...especially in the groups.

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Terri P. Williams
www.terripwilliams.com

Originally Posted by CCI Virtual Solutions Center

I'm in Wisconsin. How do you find out about networking events in your area? Where should I look?

Also check www.meetup.com for local groups in your target market, industry, or just plain things you like to do. I got a new client from a local book club!

Originally Posted by CCI Virtual Solutions Center

I'm in Wisconsin. How do you find out about networking events in your area? Where should I look?

I would start by joining some local LinkedIn networking groups and finding out about your Chamber of Commerce.

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Bridie's Typing Services
Celebrating 10 years in biz

thank you for sharing this information with me i really appreciate it

Great idea about joining Linked In! Going to give it a try!

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Niki

Oh my gosh thank you for the check list. I am already on linked in but my husband and I were just talking about getting information about attending the networking gatherings around town here, there are so many small towns in San Diego and each has their own Chamber of Commerce and own networking mixers. I am so nervous about attending but having this checklist makes things a bit easier. Just curious though how did it go for you at the networking mixer?

I'm writing a book on in person networking! It's in rough draft right now and I hope to get it going in a month. A lot of people hate doing real networking. I'd say really important is to have your elevator speech down pat. I can't begin to tell you how many people I meet at these events and they have trouble telling me what they do for a living (10 minutes into their speech I'm sleeping with my eyes open). Make it short and tell the person you're talking with what you will do for them.

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Susan Sheehan - VA Cape Cod
21 Steps to Better Networking

Great post and I agree with Susan, a really good elevator speech is a must!

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Because Even Superheroes Need Sidekicks
www.thevirtuallink.ca

I'm starting my networking activities in a couple of weeks and am not sure what to expect. Thanks Bridie for the checklist. That's a great resource.

I'm just beginning. This list will help so much! Thank you!

Amelia Morris

Great checklist! I haven't been to any networking events yet, but, hopefully one day.

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Kathy Fink Inc. - http://kathleenlfink.wix.com/kathyfinkinc

Thanks for the info Bridie. I personally really don't like networking, probably because I am not very good at it so this helps a lot!

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www.strictlyvirtual.co.uk

Thanks so much, and how true. You really do need to be prepared for any opportunity.

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Deanna - Owner

Great tips, thank you so much. I'm really loving all the new activity on the forum; means there's more of us out there! Let's conquer!

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Deanna - Owner

Love the get-out clause!

I've only been to one in person event so far. I found the hardest part was getting chats started with people... I am majorly out of my comfort zone so that's the biggest hurdle.

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Amy
http://amygetsthingsdone.com/

Great checklist - never thought about getting my own name badge great tip. I'm also starting to work on my elevator speech - anyone want to share theirs as an example?

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Hayley
Owner | fresh-assist virtual office support

Whenever someone says elevator speech I roll my eyes because it's less of a speech and more of a greeting (as far as length goes)...and yes, I know the phrase came about because apparently, you imagine you're in an elevator and have only a short time to get across what it is you do. However, prior to being a freelancer, I worked in corporate office towers in big cities...if you ever rode one of THOSE elevators, the ride can take a minute or more...and certainly any "elevator speech" THAT long could surely bore anyone to tears.

I like to just say my name and that "I help ______________(ideal client/industry) with/accomplish ____________" and sometimes add in "to solve _____________ (problem" if I can.

Since I've been a virtual assistant, I've not had the opportunity yet to say anything like that to anyone in person, but so far I'm comfortable saying that I help brands and individuals with social campaigns/promotion and creative marketing.

PS - Thanks for the post and check list!

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- Bobbi Jo
Mouthy.org | B.J. Woods: Task Wiz | My intro post