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10 reasons you should go to the Business Networking Show

The annual Business Networking Show is about to celebrate its fifth anniversary. We're not sure we can believe it. Five years is quite a success in a world where business shows come and go with frightening regularity.

So, what's the secret?

Quite simply, continually learning and repeating things that work well and being willing to change things that don't.

If you've heard the hullabaloo - or if you haven't - you may be wondering why on earth you should go.

Here are 10 reasons why you should.

Why Business Networking, Works; 4 Reasons You Can't Argue With

I've heard some bizarre statements in my business experience, so far. But claims about not ‘needing' to attend networking events or being hell-bent on remaining ‘too busy' to pop into even one a month, tend to grate on me the most.

Many professionals have built their businesses through networking alone; and I can personally back this claim up, with first-hand experience.

So, whether you're an accountant, a painter, a start-up, or a corporate Casanova- read on to find out why you need to roll up your sleeves, and make a statement at more networking events.

4 years, blood sweat & tears but we did it!

When we started The Business Networking Show in 2014, with the dreams of becoming the UKs biggest networking event, we were laughed at. We heard it all. "Are you mad?", "You can't do that!", "It'll never work" etc etc.

But we've just had the last laugh. We've hit over 1000 pre-registered attendees to #TBNS2017, with another 15 days to go!

Over 1000 pre-registered!

One of the reasons you're in business is to make money. Leads and enquiries may well turn into paying customers, so you ought to be hell-bent on following up with them all, right?

And if you're not doing this, then what mindless excuse are you giving to people (or worse, yourself) to make up for it?

A point that even I've been known to dismiss sometimes: If people are willing to engage with you, and have happily taken your business card from you at a networking event, then it point-blank tells you that they are ready (practically, waiting!) to develop a business relationship.

All my past advice about successful networking means nothing if you fail to ‘follow up' after an event. If you're unsure of how to do this without seeming like a needy stalker then read on, my 3 basic pointers will help.

Whether you are exhibiting or just thinking of visiting The Business Networking Show 2017 it is worth thinking about why you are there. What do you want to sell, promote or communicate and to whom?

So in a few weeks it's The Business Networking Show. There will be hundreds of networkers from all over the UK coming to Wolverhampton for one day only. They will want to grow their business and meet likeminded business owners in the hope of building relationships and ultimately generating more work.

I have been to the past three shows and each one was fantastic. Over the years I have met some great people who have become good friends. I have been given countless referrals and more importantly I have left motivated and fired up. You see running a business is a lonely experience. Being able to go somewhere and be around other people in the same position as you is invaluable - it keeps you sane.

‘Does this Suit me?': So, What Should You Wear at a Business Networking Event?

After walking out of a career in seedy pubs and late-night bars, the idea of self-employment and getting to wear a suit every day, got my adrenaline pumping even more than a tandem skydive.

I set up Neely There with an A4 folder of ideas and two blazers to my name; thinking that this (along with a pair of shiny high heels), was going to define me as a professional.

I was wrong.

Although dressing ‘007 style' fits other business owners to a T, I quickly discovered that it suppressed my personality and creative streak.

Heads up: I'm not going to go on about how you shouldn't wear a 3-piece to business networking events; but I will badger on about finding a style that you're comfortable in.

You know an event is going to be amazing when you have over 500 people already pre-registered to attend, just short of 2 months out until show day.

Oh yes people. The Business Networking Show 2017, #TBNS17 is heading into its 4th year and it is going to be BANGING! I'm excited! We're excited! Can you tell?

This is the LARGEST business networking show in the UK... bringing networkers from all around the UK together under one roof, and the thing is, if you're reading this, YOU can have completely free entry to the event by pre-registering NOW!

Liam Neeson's got nothing on Darren Hepburn!

Are You Full of Business Bull?  Learn How to AVOID Corporate Jargon

I'm not going to sugar coat it for you: whether you're a mindset coach, virtual assistant, or website developer, you will come across hundreds of competitors, at business networking events.

The problem with 'crowded industries' is that they spew absurd corporate lingo, bizarre acronyms, and to be frank- made up words that I like to define as 'business bull'.

Nobody wants to be categorised as the 'all speak and no substance' kinda' person. And although we're all partial to the odd cringe-worthy cliché, our elevator pitches and business conversations are more likely to triumph without them.

I've whipped up three examples of corporate jargon phrases that I've come across most at networking events. Read on to find out why they've almost made my ears bleed, and how easy it is to come up with sensible, less irritating alternatives. 

We've all been there - you're really busy but you just have to get your email out today. You write it, proof it and everyone's happy so you send it. Then you spot the mistake...

Keynotes at The Business Networking Show: OUR SUPER 7

A business networking show like no other. 

Think fast-paced F1 cars, white-knuckle rollercoasters, the hairs that stand up at the back of your neck after a re-run of 'Die Hard'. If you're looking for adrenaline and a positive change of direction, then you've certainly come to the right place.

How to make even more sales at The Business Networking Show

I get to speak about networking at over 50 business shows and conferences every year. As a direct result, I meet hundreds of exhibitors and attendees who all want to know the same - how can they make more sales?

See, here's the thing, booking a stand or turning up, is the easy bit. Talking to people and swapping business cards is even easier. But for many people, that doesn't result in actual sales.

4 Lessons in Business Card Basics

When I first started networking, I used to measure my 'success' at each event, by counting the number of business cards I'd excitedly handed out.

This was my first mistake. Because giving your card to 23 people in dapper suits, does not mean that you are going to receive 23 call backs.

My second mistake was putting a large chunk of the English alphabet next to my name: Neely Khan- Cambs. MA/ BA, EFL Qual (what does that even mean?).
When it comes to business cards, it's easy to get distracted by complementary colours and 'matt lamination'. But there are a few basics we ought to understand, before making that all-important, first impression.

Don't fall into the trap of making the same mistakes as myself; my 4 lessons in business card basics will help you produce cards that are the perfect representation of yourself, and your company.

My top ten tips on how to be a better presenter

Do you fear speaking in public? As someone who was once petrified of presenting I have now personally delivered over 300 professional seminars, workshops, and keynotes all around the world. Public speaking can be a challenge and is often perceived as a very stressful thing to do. When we stand up to do our 40 second pitch we are essentially presenting. In fact, most networking groups have the opportunity to present for longer periods too, (4N's 4Sight slot, for example). By following these simple tips not only will you become a better presenter but you will enjoy it a whole lot more too.

Love it or hate it. Head it or damn-well dread it. If you're in business, chances are that you'll wind up at a business networking event.

The internet has become an ever-growing hub for networking tips and advice, but it's sometimes difficult to differentiate the 'frills' from the 'facts'.

So, I've made life easier for you. Here's a round-up of 5 personality types that you certainly do NOT want to embrace, at a slick and all-important networking event.