446: Attend the Right Networking Events, Lay the Groundwork for Better Joint Ventures, Land Clients, Become a Connector, and Follow Up with Lori Saitz

Lori Saitz from ZenRabbit started life as an extremely shy child. Her report cards regularly included, “Lori is very bright but she needs to learn how to speak up in class.” - Lori Saitz (pronounced Sites) has become a nationally recognized marketing expert, master networker and relationship-builder.

In 2003, she launched Zen Rabbit Baking Company and introduced the world to The Gratitude Cookie. In order to build that company, she had to overcome her hesitancy to talk to strangers, and learn how to network effectively to find clients and referral sources.  Today, as a networking strategy coach and speaker, she works with quiet people on getting past the fear of networking, managing their energy, and feeling more comfortable connecting, so they can find success.

Her services are in demand by consultants, entrepreneurs, business owners, and business professionals who need to figure out which networking events are worth going to so they’re not wasting hundreds of dollars; what to say once they’re there so they don’t look foolish; and how to follow up afterward so their efforts aren’t wasted.

Quotes:                                                                                                                                   

“We're naturally attuned to storytelling. Storytelling goes back centuries in human history. The storytelling part really cements and makes you more memorable.” – Lori Saitz

“Follow-up is the most important part. Where most people fall down is in the follow-up, because we all have the best of intentions.” – Lori Saitz

“If you can take control and make it more interesting by asking better questions of your conversational partners, it becomes easier and more enjoyable.” – Lori Saitz

Takeaways:

05:50 Strategic networking means choosing events with the right people, not attending every possible gathering.

06:32 Managing personal energy is crucial when attending networking events, especially for introverted professionals.

10:28 Preparing a clear, concise answer to "What do you do?" helps quiet professionals feel more confident and memorable.

17:01 Asking thoughtful, interesting questions transforms surface-level conversations into meaningful professional interactions.

25:36 Follow-up is the most critical part of networking, and setting specific calendar time for post-event communication ensures connections aren't lost.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:36 — 34.4MB) | Embed

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Filed in: Archive 2: 2017 • Interview • Networking • Podcast

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