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Graceful Networking

Written by: Joy Duling

Article Overview: 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.

Graceful Networking

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.

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  NETWORKING ISNT SELLING OR IS IT
  Should you join a networking group?

Article Tags: coffee date, common ground, conversation with someone, graceful exit, networker, networking meetings, pitfalls, sheer torture, sincerity, sticky situations
Referred by: http://www.calahansolutions.com



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Re: How can a social networking site make serious money? - Hi There, It is quite interesting, that some Social Networking do produce an income. I think testimonials are always a benefit to share. See one below: This Social Network has changed my life! Every night is a Friday night and everyday is a Saturday!! Because of it, I have been able to leave the workforce 10 years early.It has given me back my life. Many of us would like to retire early. I am sure there are many more. The point is of focusing with great determination. The ongoing challenge is to stay focussed and not be sidetracked into a newer scheme or so. Also I have read, during this financial turmoil, more people turn to Social Networking for various reasons.
Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them! - [quote="burnsrunner":1zobscwk]I agree! Networking is definitely the key word here. What does everyone feel about the different Networking platforms out there? Twitter Facebook LinkedIn what are some others?[/quote:1zobscwk] I am on Twitter and Linkedin, have not joined Facebook yet as my time is fairly limited and one needs a lot of time to devote to all these various networking platforms. Unless you do this full time (the networking I mean). MichelleJ
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Re: Simple Idea - Great Advice. - What your success stories on Social Networking for more contacts and connections? Do you have any good business books to suggest? I love the idea of connecting and sharing with other entrepreneurs. Thank you for your input!


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