Travis Chappell is a networking master and he resides in Las Vegas Nevada. He is the host of a very successful podcast Build Your Network and Facebook Group Build Your Network BETA.

Why Networking?

Networking is the best way to accelerate growth in life, regardless if you’re an entrepreneur, a doctor or if you're working 9-5 and working your way up the various management levels.

By building relationships with people you will accelerate your career a lot faster. 

Networking At Conferences

You need to have a strategy and plan in place before you attend the conference. Your goal is to build friendships and true real relationships. Don’t over complicate it.

Don’t become Networking Ned – the person who runs around throwing business cards in everyone's face and then running off to the next person, but also don't be the other extreme, the person who is too scared to throw business cards around so instead, they do nothing.

Expectations

Networking at a conference starts before the conference even happens. You need a list of things you really want to accomplish while you’re at this conference

Know your expectations: I want to meet twelve new people, or I want to meet three people in a specific niche. You may want to meet someone that does what you do. 

What are your goals for the conference?

You need CLARITY: If you want to meet someone specifically at an event, you need to prepare a few months out, because at the event they will be swamped by people who want to meet them, so you need to stand out from the crowd. 

Send them a note, a card, or something you know they are going to like (t-shirt). Don't just connect with them on social media. 

Then when you go up to them at the conference, they will know you straight away. This will help you differentiate yourself from the crowd. 

Conference Buddy

There are two reasons you need a conferencing buddy. 1) it makes introductions much easier, and 2) you’re never standing alone. 

Smaller Networking Groups

Every town has small networking groups such as BNI and Chamber of Commerce, and because these groups usually meet weekly or monthly there's going to be more time to build a long-term relationship, so there’s not as much prep needed prior because you know you’ll see them again next week or month.

Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

What are you going to say when someone asks, what do you do? You need to think about this and have a good answer prepared. This is your UVP and it needs to be short and sweet. 

The Eyebrow Test

When you tell someone what you do, if their eyebrows go down, you’ve confused them, but if they go up you’ve captured their interest. 

If you talk too long (60 seconds) and verbally throw up all over them, there’s going to be fewer questions and therefore less engagement. 

You need to keep the conversation loop open. 

Social Media Networking

Facebook Groups is like attending 12 different networking conferences in one afternoon.

Always network in Facebook Groups the right way by adding value to the group. Don't use it to try and promote yourself. 

Ask questions and also answer questions in the group. Be engaging. Only then will you be able to connect with them as friends and take the relationship further. 

Profile Photos & Bio

If someone is interested in networking with you they will go and look at your social profile, therefore you need a professional or semi-professional headshot, a simple Bio explaining what you do and a good cover image. 

If Facebook is not your thing then it’s fine to have a photo of your cat.

Travis has written a FREE eBook that you can download from his website about improving your social media networking skills - www.buildyournetwork.co/fb

Three Tips

1. Put yourself in situations to succeed
2. Don’t be afraid to move where the opportunities are
3. Most people will say YES 

"THE SHORTEST RUNWAY TO YOUR GOALS IS WHO YOU KNOW"

Monday Morning Tip

Be Grateful: Start your day focusing on all the positivity in your life and business. 

If you have any questions about this podcast please email me directly at [email protected] 

Save The Date

17th and 18th August 2018. I will be holding a 2-Day event in Cairns titled Communication, Persuasion and Influence. My Keynote Speaker is David M Frees from Pennsylvania, who was also my guest on Podcast Episode 2. More details coming shortly, but keep an eye on the EVENTS page. 

FREE DOWNLOADS:

First 16 Pages of My Book – It’s No Secret There’s Money in Small Business.

12 Secrets to Get More People Through Your Front Door.