Since the beginning of Social Media like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Zynga, coupled with actual networking events, learning how to connect with clients and other businesses has never been so complex. Many people are unsure where to start with digital networking whilst others struggle to walk up to a potential lead and start conversing. The best way to increase your understanding of building your own business network and improve how you network is to immerse yourself in the whole process. If you then want to increase your chances of business networking then using a QR code software can really lend a helping hand.

Before we begin you need:

schedule of events
Business cards
LinkedIn Account
QR code
Twitter Account

Top Tips for The Business Networking Event

1. Find out about networking events in your area. Begin with free  events first and register your interest.
2. Visit squarecode.biz  and register for an account.  Create your first QR code and add something interesting about you and your business so that when people scan the get clear sense of what you do for a living.
3. Introduce yourself. This may seem like an obvious thing to do but breaking the ice and approaching a prospective client can be difficult. Think of strategies to make this easier. A simple ‘Hi’ and a firm handshake is a good start but this is also an opportunity to break the ice by getting someone to scan your QR code.
4. Be positive and show genuine interest. Some networking events provide details about who is attending prior to the event. Find out about your prospective clients on sites like LinkedIn and About.me. This is also a good way to strike up conversations as you already know something about the individual.
5. Have a your 60-second ‘elevator pitch’ ready.  At the end of your mini page invite them to scan your QR code this not only strikes up conversation but also puts you as an expert in your field or at least someone is at the cutting edge of technology.
6. Do swap business cards and remember to add a note about the person on the back of the card as you may forget who they are.

Top Tips for Keeping Connected

1. Send leads an email telling them that you have enjoyed the chat and include something you promised you would send them e.g. a link to a website you found useful.  this is also great opportunity to ask if they have scanned your qrcode and their thoughts about this type of technology.
2. Email the same contact a week or so later to share an article from your blog or do something similar to maintain the contact – keep it related to your discussion.
3. Register with LinkedIn and find people you recently met.  Send them a message explaining your interest in meeting them recently. Being able to recognize an attendee is powerful,  so connecting LinkedIn before the event is also very good.
4. Register with Twitter and tweet about interesting ideas, links and other relevant content relating to your business and interests. This way people will see that you have interesting things to share and are en expert in your field.

Did You Know?

1.  the use of QR codes has literally exploded in the US and Europe. Add one to business cards, flyers, other printed material to provide opportunity for people to connect with your online content