How to Schmooze Clients and Investors

Business is about relationships with clients and investors. Schmoozing is a great way to establish and strengthen those relationships by being friendly, informal and chatting it up. The ultimate goal of the schmooze is to gain favor, with the hope that the business relationship you forge will benefit your business in the long run. Follow the steps below in order to be a successful schmoozer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Know current events. A strong knowledge of what is going on in the world will provide topics of conversation when you are schmoozing someone new.

2. Ask questions that invoke more than a single sentence response. For example, when someone tells you where she's from, ask her more specific questions about the town.

3. Be a good listener. Stand up tall and make eye contact with your schmooze target to show him that he has your complete attention. Take mental note of her interests for future schmoozing reference.

4. Attend networking events, such as conventions, seminars or trade shows, in order to meet new people. Introduce yourself in a polite and friendly manner and make conversation using steps one through three.

5. Provide potential clients and investors with your contact information. Be sure that the information is clear and ease to read.

6. Stay connected with your new client/investor through e-mail and telephone calls. Invite him to an informal lunch or round of golf, your treat, to continue the schmoozing process.

7. Expect nothing in return, but don't be afraid to ask for a favor once your relationship is well established and she knows that your business relationship is legitimate and you're not taking advantage of her.

Tips & Warnings

• Schmoozing doesn't stop at the first interaction, but is a continuation through every encounter with that individual.
• Don't take advantage of the relationships you establish with clients or investors through schmoozing them. You want to be sure that they will also be there for you when you need them, and that means that you must be someone they can completely rely on.