How to Work a Room
How to Work a Room
Set a goal to meet a certain number of new people. Your focus at a business mixer is not to get to know people well, but to make contacts that can be followed up at a later date. It is usually impossible, and if attempted, unwise to conduct business at such events.
When you enter a room approach either a person standing on their own, or a group of more than two. Two people may resent your intrusion, and most people standing alone are happy to have someone with whom to talk.
Introduce yourself, but do not immediately pull out your business cards. If the people you meet neglect to introduce themselves to you, ask them for their names.
If conversing with strangers does not come easily, the stress of “making conversation” will disappear when you concentrate on asking others about themselves. People always enjoy talking about their work, interests, and concerns, while you play the role of the attentive listener. Consequently, they will come away from the experience with a positive feeling that they will associate with meeting you.
Eventually the conversation should turn towards you. Be ready with a short statement that outlines who you are and the nature of your business. Always focus on the benefits your clients have experienced, rather than what you do.
Ask for the business cards of the people you meet and, if requested, be ready to give them your card. Avoid the tendency to force your cards on people. If you have piqued their interest, they will ask for your card.
Excuse yourself from the group and take a minute to write down a comment on the back of their business cards before starting the process again. Make a particular note of anything you promised to do for your new business acquaintances (e.g.: sending a brochure, calling, or e-mailing information, etc.).
No business mixer would feel right without the delicate balance of a drink, hors d’oeuvres, a napkin, and of course, the elaborate choreography that must accompany this jumble as you attempt to circulate through the crowd. Remember to drink responsibly in all circumstances and always keep your right hand free for shaking hands. A mixer is not an opportunity to eat dinner; its prime purpose is to network and search for future business opportunities. If you are hungry before attending the event, consider eating something before you go to help you to maintain your focus on networking.
When you return to your office, review the business cards you collected and send your new contacts a note or e-mail saying that you enjoyed meeting them. This action will set you apart from the others at the mixer, making you more memorable. If you want to develop the business relationship further, call to invite the person to lunch or set up an appointment.
How to Work a Room - To learn more about this author, visit Catherine Bell's Website.
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Business mixers, open houses, or cocktail hours before a dinner provide prime opportunities to meet new people. In such settings, you must couple your friendliness with a strategic sensibility.
Set a goal to meet a certain number of new people. Your focus at a business mixer is not to get to know people well, but to make contacts that can be followed up at a later date. It is usually impossible, and if attempted, unwise to conduct business at such events.
When you enter a room approach either a person standing on their own, or a group of more than two. Two people may resent your intrusion, and most people standing alone are happy to have someone with whom to talk.
Introduce yourself, but do not immediately pull out your business cards. If the people you meet neglect to introduce themselves to you, ask them for their names.
If conversing with strangers does not come easily, the stress of “making conversation” will disappear when you concentrate on asking others about themselves. People always enjoy talking about their work, interests, and concerns, while you play the role of the attentive listener. Consequently, they will come away from the experience with a positive feeling that they will associate with meeting you.
Eventually the conversation should turn towards you. Be ready with a short statement that outlines who you are and the nature of your business. Always focus on the benefits your clients have experienced, rather than what you do.
Ask for the business cards of the people you meet and, if requested, be ready to give them your card. Avoid the tendency to force your cards on people. If you have piqued their interest, they will ask for your card.
Excuse yourself from the group and take a minute to write down a comment on the back of their business cards before starting the process again. Make a particular note of anything you promised to do for your new business acquaintances (e.g.: sending a brochure, calling, or e-mailing information, etc.).
No business mixer would feel right without the delicate balance of a drink, hors d’oeuvres, a napkin, and of course, the elaborate choreography that must accompany this jumble as you attempt to circulate through the crowd. Remember to drink responsibly in all circumstances and always keep your right hand free for shaking hands. A mixer is not an opportunity to eat dinner; its prime purpose is to network and search for future business opportunities. If you are hungry before attending the event, consider eating something before you go to help you to maintain your focus on networking.
When you return to your office, review the business cards you collected and send your new contacts a note or e-mail saying that you enjoyed meeting them. This action will set you apart from the others at the mixer, making you more memorable. If you want to develop the business relationship further, call to invite the person to lunch or set up an appointment.
How to Work a Room - To learn more about this author, visit Catherine Bell's Website.
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Joe DagerJoe Dager is President of Business901, a progressive coaching company providing no-nonsense direction in areas such as Lean Six Sigma Marketing and organized referral marketing. What others say: In the past 20 years, Joe and I have collaborated on many difficult issues. Joe’s ability to combine his expertise with “out of the box” thinking is unsurpassed. He has always delivered quickly, cost effectively and with ingenuity. A brilliant mind that is always a pleasure to work with.” - James R. If you want to learn more about Business901, start a conversation with us. We can be found @ Web/Blog: Business901.com Web/Blog: FundingYourNonprofit.com LinkedIn Profile Follow me on Twitter - Visit Joe Dager's Website |
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Stephanie RobeyStephanie Robey is President and CoFounder of Pivot Positive, LLC - an Internet marketing business focused on helping people start work at home ventures. Previously, she was employed at The Search Agency with over 20 years experience in graphic design and 10 years experience in online marketing. She was responsible for launching the Conversion Path Optimization (CPO) unit where she and her team have conducted hundreds of optimization tests for online companies across multiple verticals. She is a successful entrepreneur having started and sold 2 companies and remains on the board of directors of the third, PhotoSpin.com Stephanie began her career in the direct marketing realm creating and producing direct mail for many of the major cable television companies and directly attributes her understanding of Internet marketing to those early offline experiences. Stephanie is a graduate of San Diego State University with a BFA in Graphic Arts and also holds an Executive MBA from the Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University. Read Steph's Blog Meet Steph and Dave Sign up for our Free 7-Day BootCamp: Self Employed & Rich - Visit Stephanie Robey's Website |
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