Tip Number 1: Pretend it’s your party!
When you’re hosting an event in your home or office you make sure that everybody feels comfortable. It’s the same at a business function – give yourself permission to work the room.
Tip Number 2: Change the tapes in your head!
These tapes limit our potential. We’re excellent at: ’I can’t’ – change it to: ’I can.’ We’re great at: ’I made a total fool of myself’ – change it to: ’I learnt from that.’ We were told and we tell our children not to speak to strangers only to find in the working world that we have to speak to strangers – so start speaking to them.
Tip Number 3: Make the first move!
It’s not risky – you won’t die. I lived in North America for 7 years and the best thing that living there taught me was to go everywhere with my hand outstretched – ’Hello I’m Judith Gilmore – how lovely to meet you.’ People who are agonised at networking events will think you are wonderful if you make the first move and make them feel comfortable.
Tip Number 4: Remember names
Our names are really precious to us so show respect to the person you’re speaking to by remembering their name. I’ve heard a lot of strange techniques and gimmicks over the years about remembering names – for me the easiest and best is to repeat their name a few times after they’ve been introduced to get it into your head. That’s how we learn – by repetition.
Tip Number 5: Be prepared
If you are agonised at networking events then take some time as you drive your car or take a few minutes in the car park to think through what you could talk about. What’s happening in the world – what’s happening in your industry – what’s the common reason for everybody gathering together – be ready to fill those awkward pauses.
Tip Number 6: Look approachable
Check your body language – make sure that you look open, smiling and friendly. Encourage people into your group – make them feel comfortable – take the responsibility of introducing them to others.
Tip Number 7: Have a plan
Too many people arrive half way through an event, look for the people they know and end up talking to the people they’ve worked with all day. What a waste of your time and energy. Have a list of the delegates faxed to you before the event and decide who you want to meet and then make the effort to meet them.
Tip Number 8: Have an exit strategy
Don’t feel awkward about leaving one person or a group of people. I’ve often watched people stay together for hours because they don’t know how to move on! Try saying I must, I need, I have to . . . ’I have to speak to the treasurer before he leaves . . .’. This implies that it’s not that his/her conversation is boring but rather you have a agenda you must keep to. And it’s true – you do. This is your precious time so make it work for you.
Tip Number 9: Use don’t abuse networking
We all stay well clear of people who do nothing but talk at us and sell their products/services in an aggressive manner. Learn to listen more than you speak. People will love you for it. Keep in the forefront of your mind what you can do to help others – building relationships is a slow process. People need to know, like and trust you before they will buy from you.
Tip Number 10: Follow up
There is no point in attending these networking events if you don’t have a system for keeping in touch with those people who are of interest to you. What’s your system? A diary, electronic organiser, notebook, contact management programme? Make sure you contact people within a week of meeting them.
So the next time you go to a networking event if you find working the room a daunting experience then be prepared, put a smile on your face, think positively, remember the 10 tips and be amazed at the number of interesting people that there are waiting to meet you.
Further information:
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