Graceful Networking
Graceful Networking
Here's a strategy that I personally use...
When striking up a conversation with someone new - I stick out my hand, introduce myself, and I simply ask, "so what brings you here today?"
You'll almost always find common ground in the answer to this question. It's friendly, non-threatening and draws the other person into a conversation.
But on the "back-end" of a conversation... the part where you really need to be moving on to meet other people... this line also paves the way for a graceful exit.
Simply study their card closely for a moment and then say something like, "you know, I'm gonna keep you in mind as I mix-and-mingle tonight. If I run into someone who seems like they're exactly who you're looking for, I'll be sure to tell them about you."
This brings the conversation to a close gracefully... you've signaled that you're ready to move on... and that you're going to do so in a way that is actually HELPFUL to the other person.
Now, if you are REALLY enjoying the conversation with this new person, it is still important that you both be able to move on and meet other people. So, I suggest saying something like, "I'm really sensing a connection between us and I want to talk some more, but I know that we're both here to circulate. How about I call you tomorrow and we can set up a coffee date or something?"
Chances are good that the other person is going to agree and this allows you to both move on to make additional connections in the room.
Please know that these strategies should only be used with the greatest sincerity. As a good networker, you SHOULD be looking for ways to hook up the people you meet with opportunities.
Networking is just as much about OTHER people as it is about YOU. And that's the part that people typically forget!
Why this matters...
Networking can be a HUGE time-sucker if you're not doing it effectively.
You want to go into any networking situation ready to meet as many people as possible without being insensitive to the person that you're currently speaking with. You want to meet people who are a good fit for you. You want to be seen as knowledgeable and helpful.
This strategy is a sure-fire way to make sure that all of the above happen.
Graceful Networking - To learn more about this author, visit Joy Duling's Website.
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Networking meetings can be sheer torture! The room is chock full of pitfalls that can trip you up if you don't know how to extricate yourself from sticky situations.
Here's a strategy that I personally use...
When striking up a conversation with someone new - I stick out my hand, introduce myself, and I simply ask, "so what brings you here today?"
You'll almost always find common ground in the answer to this question. It's friendly, non-threatening and draws the other person into a conversation.
But on the "back-end" of a conversation... the part where you really need to be moving on to meet other people... this line also paves the way for a graceful exit.
Simply study their card closely for a moment and then say something like, "you know, I'm gonna keep you in mind as I mix-and-mingle tonight. If I run into someone who seems like they're exactly who you're looking for, I'll be sure to tell them about you."
This brings the conversation to a close gracefully... you've signaled that you're ready to move on... and that you're going to do so in a way that is actually HELPFUL to the other person.
Now, if you are REALLY enjoying the conversation with this new person, it is still important that you both be able to move on and meet other people. So, I suggest saying something like, "I'm really sensing a connection between us and I want to talk some more, but I know that we're both here to circulate. How about I call you tomorrow and we can set up a coffee date or something?"
Chances are good that the other person is going to agree and this allows you to both move on to make additional connections in the room.
Please know that these strategies should only be used with the greatest sincerity. As a good networker, you SHOULD be looking for ways to hook up the people you meet with opportunities.
Networking is just as much about OTHER people as it is about YOU. And that's the part that people typically forget!
Why this matters...
Networking can be a HUGE time-sucker if you're not doing it effectively.
You want to go into any networking situation ready to meet as many people as possible without being insensitive to the person that you're currently speaking with. You want to meet people who are a good fit for you. You want to be seen as knowledgeable and helpful.
This strategy is a sure-fire way to make sure that all of the above happen.
Graceful Networking - To learn more about this author, visit Joy Duling'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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