Networking: Ten Tips to Create New Relationships and Shine at any Event
Networking: Ten Tips to Create New Relationships and Shine at any Event
I like to look at networking like this: It's about finding out what someone else needs, then seeing if you can help the person fill that need. This way, you never "use" your network. Instead, you build healthy relationships based on helping to meet each other's needs.
Does networking make you uncomfortable, because you're stretching outside your comfort zone and striking up conversations with strangers? Just keep in mind that it's all about building relationships. If you feel shy or are afraid you'll say or do the wrong thing, or worse, bore the person you're engaging in conversation, just follow my top tips.
1. Dress the part - Are you attending a formal event? Is it business casual? If you are a woman, you can never go wrong with a smart, white shirt and black slacks. Men, you'll look dashing in a sports jacket and tie. Add a sprinkle of individuality to your look. It can be a conversation starter by attracting someone to approach you.
2. Add a splash of color - If you're shy or uncomfortable, try wearing a dash of color to brighten your mood and exude confidence. Women, add a scarf or brooch. Men, choose a brightly colored tie.
3. Be a curious cat - Think about questions you can ask to get to know other people. Some ideas: What do you do? What business are you in? What's big in your plans for the new year? Stay away from topics on religion or politics unless you want to be known as someone who is bold and pretentious, or if you relish a good-natured debate.
4. Volunteer - Lend a helping hand. It can be a wonderful icebreaker to meet new folks.
5. Look for the little things - Watch for subtle types of communication. If someone smiles at you, smile back. If you bump into someone, start a conversation. Look for something you have in common to start a conversation on the right foot.
An event wouldn't be the same if there weren't some bloopers for which to watch out. Here are my top five suggestions:
1. Don't talk about yourself all night - Remember, conversations are never monologues. Make sure you give the other person plenty of opportunities to share comments, tell stories, and carry their 50% of the conversation.
2. Don't be an infomercial - Bring the best part of who you are to the party. Be genuine, be yourself. Never brag or use the networking event as an informal job interview.
3. Don't look removed - Crossed arms, a worried frown, or sitting in a corner are not magnets. It's best to keep your body language open. Try smiling and looking friendly. If you look approachable, chances are you'll meet new people.
4. Don't assume people want your card - If people want your business card, they'll ask for it.
5. Don't overdo it - Know when the conversation is nearing the end, and it's time to move on. Mingle and circulate. Don't talk with the same person all night. If you've really hit it off, schedule a time to get together and deepen your friendship.
Happy Networking!
© Copyright - Elizabeth M. Lengyel, PeopleCoach, Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Reprint guidelines: Feel free to reprint this article. You must include the above copyright notice and the author biography that accompanies this article. You may not sell this article or the content contained herein.
Networking Ten Tips to Create New Relationships and Shine at any Event - To learn more about this author, visit Elizabeth Lengyel's Website.
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Events are a great time to schmooze and network - just remember the difference! Schmoozing is all about mingling with people you know, like colleagues and friends. Networking is meeting new people to broaden your circle of contacts, which can come in handy when you're looking for a new job or changing careers.
I like to look at networking like this: It's about finding out what someone else needs, then seeing if you can help the person fill that need. This way, you never "use" your network. Instead, you build healthy relationships based on helping to meet each other's needs.
Does networking make you uncomfortable, because you're stretching outside your comfort zone and striking up conversations with strangers? Just keep in mind that it's all about building relationships. If you feel shy or are afraid you'll say or do the wrong thing, or worse, bore the person you're engaging in conversation, just follow my top tips.
1. Dress the part - Are you attending a formal event? Is it business casual? If you are a woman, you can never go wrong with a smart, white shirt and black slacks. Men, you'll look dashing in a sports jacket and tie. Add a sprinkle of individuality to your look. It can be a conversation starter by attracting someone to approach you.
2. Add a splash of color - If you're shy or uncomfortable, try wearing a dash of color to brighten your mood and exude confidence. Women, add a scarf or brooch. Men, choose a brightly colored tie.
3. Be a curious cat - Think about questions you can ask to get to know other people. Some ideas: What do you do? What business are you in? What's big in your plans for the new year? Stay away from topics on religion or politics unless you want to be known as someone who is bold and pretentious, or if you relish a good-natured debate.
4. Volunteer - Lend a helping hand. It can be a wonderful icebreaker to meet new folks.
5. Look for the little things - Watch for subtle types of communication. If someone smiles at you, smile back. If you bump into someone, start a conversation. Look for something you have in common to start a conversation on the right foot.
An event wouldn't be the same if there weren't some bloopers for which to watch out. Here are my top five suggestions:
1. Don't talk about yourself all night - Remember, conversations are never monologues. Make sure you give the other person plenty of opportunities to share comments, tell stories, and carry their 50% of the conversation.
2. Don't be an infomercial - Bring the best part of who you are to the party. Be genuine, be yourself. Never brag or use the networking event as an informal job interview.
3. Don't look removed - Crossed arms, a worried frown, or sitting in a corner are not magnets. It's best to keep your body language open. Try smiling and looking friendly. If you look approachable, chances are you'll meet new people.
4. Don't assume people want your card - If people want your business card, they'll ask for it.
5. Don't overdo it - Know when the conversation is nearing the end, and it's time to move on. Mingle and circulate. Don't talk with the same person all night. If you've really hit it off, schedule a time to get together and deepen your friendship.
Happy Networking!
© Copyright - Elizabeth M. Lengyel, PeopleCoach, Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Reprint guidelines: Feel free to reprint this article. You must include the above copyright notice and the author biography that accompanies this article. You may not sell this article or the content contained herein.
Networking Ten Tips to Create New Relationships and Shine at any Event - To learn more about this author, visit Elizabeth Lengyel's Website.
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Anne BarrAnne Barr has over 26 years experience in sales and marketing, six years as a franchisee. She has assisted over 367 business owners and purchasers to achieve their goals in career change, transition and exit strategy. She holds the designation of Certified Franchise Executive from the International Franchise Association, Certified Business Intermediary from the International Business Brokers Association and Board Certified Broker from the Texas Association of Business Brokers. Anne is active in professional organizations, networking groups and volunteers for non-profit entities. As owner/operator of four successful businesses, Anne has proven people skills and enjoys helping clients find the right "fit" in business ownership. Visit www.FranchiseOpportunitySpecialist.com for more information about me and my company. - Visit Anne Barr's Website |
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Leanne Hoagland-SmithAre your sales where you want them to be? Will you be one of the few who achieves sales or business success or one of the many who have failed to change? Are you tired of being told you are like everyone else? Then you may find my first book on sales of interest. Be the Red Jacket in the Sea of Gray Suits, The Keys to Unlocking Sales available at Amazon or at http://www.processspecialist.com/red-jacket.htm. This book is a reflection of my no-nonsense approach to improving sales to overall business results. If you are truly committed to making sustainable changes, then I can help you secure a positive return on your investment because I focus on executable solutions not telling you the problems you already know you have. From training to corporate (group) coaching to executive one on one coaching, my approach is to assess, create awareness, build a goal driven action plan and then execute. The bottom line question is "Not do you or your employees know it, but do you or they want to do it?" Please call for a free strategy session at 219.759.5601. - Visit Leanne Hoagland-Smith's Website |
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