Fortune+Follow Up - Businesswomen - Don't Waste Those Valuable Networking Opportunities!

If you're one of the lucky women business owners who will be attending this year's Women's Entrepreneur Summit in White Plains, New York, here's a statement that rings true in the business ownership space: The Fortune Is In The Follow Up. That statement was also a breakout session topic of a past summit presenter, Regina Bonolo. 

Way too often, women entrepreneurs leave networking events with a stack of business cards that either end up in a drawer or in the garbage without a second glance.  Considering that you took the time to engage with each person you accepted a business card from and then to not follow through after the event, is defeating the greatest benefit of attending the networking event in the first place. 

Before you attend the next business networking event, here are 4 MACs-Imizing tips:

1. Actually Follow Up. Give yourself that slight edge by actually following up. You will be in the 10% of those who followup after an event, which will make you standout. 

2. Maintain Your Professionalism.  Don't be too serious when you follow up (You have and end result in mind)...Keep the tone of the conversation light & fun; still be professional & respectful. Your follow up conversation should be an extension of the great impression you made when you met in person at the event. 

3. Offer a compliment. Who doesn't appreciate a genuine compliment? Everyone does! Remark on something genuine you recall from meeting them at the event, maybe it was their enthusiasm for their business or something they shared from their perspective at the event. Be sincere, this is not about kissing up to them, be sincere. Your comment should simply let them know why you think you should continue the dialog. 

4. Seize the moment. Nope, do not sell them or pitch them on your products and services. As with every meaningful relationships you build, use this opportunity to set up a meeting. Suggest that you meet for a coffee, suggest a time and place that's convenient for both of you and let them know you are interested in seeing them again.