Lots of business people just like you attend lots of networking events, seminars, conferences and clubs. A whole lot of promises are made, a lot of pledges given, a lot of cards swapped and a lot of good intentions laid out.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions - so says Samuel Johnson. Everyone can talk a good game. You can promise anything.The great networkers and the professional connectors are the ones who follow up. Why should you? For eight reasons:

Read more about great tips and strategies to follow up your networking...

Networking and selling do not normally mix well. Some people treat networking like a sales convention, thrusting business cards into the hands of unsuspecting prospects. That's like cold calling but face to face. They expect a response without a relationship. This puts people off networking. It gives networking a bad name.

Everyone I know has been on the receiving end of networkers who are sellers. Consider this:

Read more about why networking is a form of selling...yourself!

"My thoughts are free to go anywhere, but it's surprising how often they head in your direction." (Author Unknown)

You know how it is. You go to networking events, you come back with a pocketful of business cards, and ........nothing! If you're like I was in my early selling days, you'll put the cards on your desk, turn to your computer and say 'Right, where was I?' And you'll forget all about them.

But now let's fast forward to that point where you've diligently followed up, perhaps had a coffee with them and a chat about doing some work together. And then... nothing! Not again!! But the trick now is a phrase I coined a few years ago - KIT Marketing.

Read more about great reasons to connect with people...

Your elevator speech is one of your most powerful networking tools, providing you get it right.

Alas, few people actually do!

Your answer to the 'what do you do?' question will be asked in 98% of conversations with a stranger! So we know this much:

1. You are going to be asked what you do.
2. You will need to deliver this in the right way first time.
3. Your wealth, you profits, your job security and your livelihood depends on your anwer.

There are a few rules for making your elevator speech. Once you know the rules, you can deliver something that gets results. You want people to listen, pay attention, take some kind of action and hopefully remember what you've said. That way they can tell others. That's called word of mouth.

The ultimate response to your engaging introduction should prompt a FOLLOW UP QUESTION. You know your elevator speech has 'landed' and made its mark when your audience replies with something like:

• That's interesting - tell me more!
• Really? How do you do that?
• So what does that involve?
• I know someone you should talk to...

If they reply by telling you what they do or some other response that has little to do with you or your job, then you've missed your opportunity.

If you are based in the East Midlands and want to get your elevator speech sorted once and for all, here's your answer!

Elevator Speech Masterclass on May 10 3-6pm - three hours of brilliant training and insight on positioning your business, crafting great networking introductions and creating your word of mouth messages!

Book your place now to secure an early registration discount, and reserve your copy of the Elevator Speech Pocket Guide!