The 7th Annual NY XPO for Business is the happening event over the next two days at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC, May 2nd and 3rd. If you are a home-based networking small business owner, you really need to be there. Where else can you bump elbows with like-minded entrepreneurs like yourself? If you are going there to network, then you need to do a few things before you go.

The idea of network marketing is that you build relationships before you pitch your line. Have you ever stood in line somewhere only to find the person behind you who seemed friendly enough suddenly launching into their pitch? Were you open to it? The answer is, most likely, no. The biggest mistake that anyone can make is to launch into his or her pitch without the permission of the prospect. Therefore, the place to begin is by connecting with attendees prior to the event so that they will be expecting you, one way or another.
What you need to do before you attend the 7th Annual NY XPO (#NYXPO), or any show like this, is get busy the day before on FaceBook and Twitter. Let’s take FaceBook first. A simple Internet search can help you find out who else is planning to attend the event. Make it part of your day’s work to go to every one of their FB fan pages and click the Like button. Leave a comment informing them that you will be at the event and that you would like to meet up with them. If you wear something that will make you stand out from the crowd let them know what to expect and they will be both waiting to see you and open to what you have to say. You are laying down the foundation of a relationship. It’s all about the connection.
The other tool is Twitter. Find out what the hashtag is that identifies the event. In the case of the 7th Annual NY XPO it is #NYXPO (makes sense!). They are always logical. Start sending out tweets to #NYXPO about what people should expect when they see you. Let them know that you will be the one wearing the crazy hat, or the shirt that lights up, or the Superman outfit. Once again, the curiosity will grow and people will be expecting you when you come along. Keep it fun and light!
More and more people are online utilizing social networking tools to build their businesses. It is so important to remember that your personal FB page is NOT the place to pitch your line. It is like launching into your pitch without permission and FB will punish you for doing it by taking down your page. Ouch! Don’t do it. The answer is to create a Fan page, now known as a Like page, which is where you are allowed to talk business. Still, FB is not the place to pitch, it’s the place to inform, intrigue, build curiosity, and build relationships. Twitter is much more forgiving when it comes to selling, but remember, it is all about the relationships!
Have fun and they will have fun with you. We may see you at the 7th Annual NY XPO for Business.
From the office of Drew Berman, contributed by Seth Lefferts. Seth Lefferts is an entrepreneur, consultant and business owner. He has spent many years in the corporate environment and has discovered that there is a way out. He is now teaching how to utilize the skillset that it takes to break free and become your own boss, and how to realize your dreams. Learn more at www.DareToDreamNow.Us.