I received a lot of emails last week regarding my Bullet topic of Avoiding Networking Nightmares. I guess most of us have struggled with the sense of awkwardness that often goes with being in a room full of strangers. Thanks to those of you who sent in your own tips (and Nic Zymaras said he loves getting to an event early because that is when he does his best networking).
I really do appreciate your feedback to my Business Bullets, so don’t hesitate to drop me a line, make a comment about a Bullet or even give me a suggestion for a topic. I want my Business Bullets to be as relevant as possible to all of my subscribers.
So here are another 10 networking tips – I hope they help.
1. Wear something distinctive
This is an oldie but a goodie. Some people make a point of wearing something distinctive so they stand out and can be remembered at networking functions. It might sound corny but in a room with 300 people, it really can be hard to stand out and as much as we might really want to blend in, standing out will get us noticed and that leads to new contacts, being memorable and new business.
2. Hang out near the the food
When people are eating they are far more likely to strike up a conversation. They are relaxed, often a bit guilty because they are eating something they think shouldn’t and there is of course a common topic for discussion – the food. So if you hang out near the buffet you may find it easier to meet people and have some good conversations.
3. Look for groups of people rather than individuals
It is always wise to find a group of people where you can kind of muscle your way, stand and observe quietly and then slowly become a part of the conversation. When we are in a group we behave a bit like penguins – we will shuffle to let other penguins in and then huddle back together. My advice here though is to be quiet when you first enter a group, wait a while and someone will talk to you. If you enter a group and start taking over the conversation, the group will disband and you will be left on your own.
4. Enlist the aid of others to introduce you
If I am going to a networking event where I know one or two people who I know are very well connected I will often ring and ask them if they would mind introducing me to people at the event. In fact I have done this many times and it works really well. The person then has a mission and a job, that is to drag me around and introduce me to as many quality contacts as possible – so it is an express form of networking. Best of all, if we get stuck in a scenario where we don’t want to be, the host can easily excuse us with the statement “Sorry we can’t chat, I am trying to introduce Andrew to as many people as possible tonight”. Perfect.
5. Offer a compliment (but be sincere)
If you struggle with an opening line when meeting new people the oldest tried and tested method is to offer a compliment. You may choose to go up to someone and compliment them about something they are wearing or something they have done (if you know a bit about them). The biggest key to making this work is to make sure your compliment is sincere. If it’s not, people will not dismiss you and deservedly so.
6. Focus on the person in front of you
I made mention last week about my irritation with people being bored when talking to others at networking events. I think that it is important to give 100% of your attention to whoever is in front of you, even if they may not be a potential contact or business lead. Rather than acting bored, excuse yourself and move on.
7. Go with a target in mind.
Often heading to a networking event with a specific “target” in mind will give you a sense of purpose and an outcome from the event. Do your homework, know who you want to meet and why you want to meet them and then go for it. Setting goals always gets results.
8. Use the other person’s name in the conversation.
As Dale Carnegie stated “the sweetest sound to any person is their own name”. When you are introduced to a person, respond using their name and use it repeatedly in the conversation. If you are one of those people who forgets a name as soon as someone says it, you may find that this technique will help.
9. Make sure you are enthusiastic in your responses when asked about your business.
When you meet a person at a networking event, the one question they are bound to ask is “so what do you do?”. Now, how you answer this is vitally important – remembering that the words don’t mean as much as your body language and the emotion in your voice (non verbal communication accounts for up to 90% of meaning we take from any encounter). So, it is important to have a positive, energetic and memorable response to the question “so what do you do?”. Easier said than done, but be playful, try new ideas, have a laugh at yourself and people will remember you.
10. Fast follow up get’s results.
Many people are great at networking but lousy at following up. So why bother to network in the first place? Great networkers will follow up the next day. If you say you will do something, do it. This will impress people and show that you are not only professional but also keen.
Good networking.
Cheers,
Andrew
PS I am going to be running two Professional Presenter Bootcamps in North Queensland in November. My last event was booked out really fast, so if you want to become the very best presenter you can – come along. The cost is only $295 and if you read the testimonials from those who attended the previous seminars you will see that there is a lot to get out of it. Townsville 11th November and Cairns on the 17th November – For more information CLICK HERE
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