Why is it important to know how to network?
Aviation is a trust-based industry, and many deals (especially most of the large-ticket transactions) are still made in person, or as a result of at least one in-person meeting.
Events, like trade shows and conventions are a great opportunity to have a number of decision-makers in the same place at the same time.
Opportunities for networking include:
- Golf tournaments
- Charity events/service opportunities
- Trade show booth conversations
- Cocktail hours
- Networking breakfasts / lunches / dinners / coffee breaks
- Sponsored after hours parties
Events like this social mixer at the FSANA (Flight School Association of North America) Convention are great opportunities to start mutually profitable relationships.
Since most of these events are mixing business with social activities, it can be difficult to make connections in a way that’s effective but still appropriate.
We all want to avoid those “awkward” moments. In fact, many aviation professionals secretly (or not so secretly) dread the unstructured networking opportunities.
Some of the keys to successful networking:
- Four questions you can use that will be received well by anyone as a conversation-starter
- Knowing how much (0r how little!) to tell about your product or service on a first meeting
- Being able to explain your product or service in terms that anyone could understand, even if they’re not technical (or not technical in your own field)
- How to pick up on signals that someone is interested in learning more or just being polite
- Learning to extricate yourself from a conversation that is not productive or worthwhile.
We provide guidelines, experiences and share a few “bloopers” and cautionary tales in our upcoming webinar, “Non-Awkward Networking,” coming up Wednesday June 18th at 1:00.
Not a member? See http://www.AviationBusinessConsultants.com/class for more details.
Looking for opportunities to practice your networking skills at an aviation event?
See http://www.AviationServiceDirectory.com/Events for listings of upcoming aviation industry events.
Know of an association or nonprofit event that we’re missing? Shoot me an email at Paula@AviationBusinessConsultants.com and we’ll add it!
The post How to Network at Aviation Events appeared first on Aviation Business Consultants.
