The Las Vegas business community is a paradox. On one hand, it’s very small, with long-standing businesses that know everybody. On the other, with so many folks coming in to town and starting new businesses, it’s always changing and growing.
Figuring out which suppliers and providers to choose, as well as finding new clients, can be challenging in such a dynamic environment. That’s where Las Vegas networking comes in.
Networking is the practice of attending business functions to meet other entrepreneurs. In the best case scenario, you develop enough trust to build a working relationship of some kind. In the worst case, well, you chat with someone for too long that won’t be a good match for your business.
How To Network In Person
If someone hands you their business card and walks away, what do you think about that person?
Probably not much! The only impression you have is their face, maybe their voice, and their card. Do you want to be forgettable? Of course not!
What about the person who tells you everything they do for 15 minutes straight, and how amazing they are at it? Well, they’ve left an impression, but not necessarily a good one. If your conversation partner is bored or intimidated, they won’t call you either.
Opening Questions
To make a good impression, you have to build trust. The easiest way to build trust is to have an equal conversation. Start with easy, open questions, like:
- What brought you to the event tonight?
- What kinds of businesses are you looking to meet?
- How did you get into this particular business?
- What’s the best thing about your business or company?
These questions prompt a little more information than “what do you do,” which will usually trigger an elevator pitch or 30-second sizzle.
Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch or 30-second sizzle is a short introduction to you and your company, no longer than 30 seconds. Your elevator pitch should cover what you do, what makes you different from the competition, and who your ideal customer or power partner is.
Being specific is really helpful at a networking event. You want to make the most of your time, as does the person you’re talking to. Sharing details about your targets for the event can help both you and your conversation partner if you can help each other or not. And then you can easily disengage when you realize it’s not a good match.
Practice your elevator pitch before going to a mixer. 30 seconds sounds short, but it really is enough time to get out the most important information with a little forethought and practice.
Steering and Closing The Conversation
To figure out if someone is a good lead for you, ask smart questions and let the other person talk. Add relatable information as necessary to wake interest. Avoid offering too much information or a full solution. While you may have all the answers, it can be overwhelming for the other person to get your info-dump.
Instead ask for their card, social media (LinkedIn and Instagram are popular), or to set a follow-up appointment. I am not afraid to open up my calendar on my phone and enter someone in directly. Follow up with an email to confirm date, time, and location.
Following Up on a Las Vegas networking event
If you receive a card or set an appointment, follow up within 3 business days. Personalize your message to reference where you met and anything important or interesting you remember from the conversation. If you discussed a specific product or strategy, include that as well. Mark the conversation in your CMS if you have one. If you didn’t already schedule an appointment, ask for one (if you’re interested in doing so).
Your follow up can happen in any communication form – phone call, text, email, or social media direct message. Follow your contact’s preferred communication style. If your contact offered their Insta, send a DM. If they mentioned never checking their email, text or call. If you don’t remember, a call or an email are the most professional methods.
What To Bring To a Las Vegas Networking Event
- Business cards
- Pen
- Portable phone charger
- A good attitude
- A smile
- Comfortable shoes
Paper or Digital Business Cards for Las Vegas networking?
Both traditional paper business cards and digital business cards, like HiHello, Blinq, or Popl have advantages and disadvantages. Which format you choose depends on your lead management processes and your target customers.
If you’re targeting well-established businesses with an older board, then a paper card with a satin finish may show that you value in-person connection the way they do.
If you’re targeting younger business owners or tech-focused positions, then a digital card or LinkedIn connection may give the impression that you’re tech savvy and current.
One benefit to digital cards is automation. Digital cards capture the contact information entered and make following up much easier, as you don’t have to manually enter email addresses or phone numbers. Some digital cards have their own CRM, and others integrate with popular software, building your lead pipeline quickly and easily.
Pro Tip: Connect Via the LinkedIn App
In many industries, LinkedIn is a common way of connecting. You can easily share your LinkedIn profile via a QR code on the app. Open the app, hit the search bar, and there’s an icon for the QR code on the right-hand side. Tap that icon, and voila, your LinkedIn QR code for others to scan.
In-person Las Vegas networking is a great way to make connections and promote your product or service. Costs start low, with many free networking events across the valley. You’re among fellow professionals, so this is one place where talking about work is encouraged! Sign up for our newsletter and give networking a try. Prefer to get leads digitally? Check out our website packages!