How to Talk to Potential Clients During a Social Event

In addition to the practical skills required to perform a job, many occupations require the ability to interact with potential clients at social events. For many people, knowing how to comfortably interact with potential clients could bring in business without aggressive networking.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Introduce yourself. If you are not introduced by a mutual acquaintance, take the initiative and say hello when the opportunity arises, such as when the individual is alone or getting another beverage.

2. Chat about something innocuous, like the event, the food, the weather, or local events. Most people do not like being “sold” to during a social event. Do not make the potential client feel like you want something from him.

3. Ensure the potential client gets your information, without hard-selling yourself.

4. Interject what you do and where you work comfortably during the conversation if you can. At that time, it may be appropriate to provide your business card.

5. Ask the potential client for his or her business card if you think the conversation will be cut short for some reason. You can reciprocate by offering your business card.

6. Contact the potential client after the event. It still may not be appropriate to hard-sell the potential client, so find a non-intimidating reason to contact the person, such as asking if the potential client would like to receive your newsletter.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, potential clients are people, not money machines. Treat them the way you would treat anyone you’d meet at a party. People are more likely to use the services of someone whose company they enjoy, rather than someone they are not fond of. Be friendly, be polite and always keep in mind that potential clients are normal people too.

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