If You’re Not Inviting, You’re Missing Outstring(54) "If You’re Not Inviting, You’re Missing Out"
Inviting prospective referral sources to an event you’re attending, hosting or participating in as a featured guest, exhibitor, panel speaker or award recipient is a great way to enhance your contact with them and build credibility.
If you’re not inviting your prospective referral sources to events, you’re missing out on a great opportunity to keep them informed of activities you’re involved in. When the event is one where you have a chance to share your expertise or where you are being recognized for an achievement, using this tactic contributes to building your credibility and image as a successful and knowledgeable professional. This tactic also helps acquaint your targets with others in your network and transforms strictly business relationships into friendships.
If you haven’t been inviting prospective sources to events and you’re not sure whom to invite or how to invite them, here are some tips to get you started:
- Make a list of the events you’ll be attending and a list of network members you might invite.
- With plenty of lead time, call or write each prospective source to invite him or her to the event; explain the reason for the invitation.
- Pay your network member’s admission fee, if there is one.
- Make sure the event offers benefits to your prospective sources, such as an opportunity to meet someone they admire, to be entertained or to be recognized.
- Whenever possible, allow your guests to invite guests of their own.
- It’s OK to invite people you do not expect to attend. Remember, one of your aims is to keep your sources informed of what you are doing.
So, what events are you attending in the coming weeks? Make use of the tips above and make it your goal to invite someone to each event you attend from here on out. Chances are you’ll not only reap some great benefits, you’ll probably enjoy the event even more with your network member along.