Networking, schmoozing, making connections. Call it what you want, it's something that is a necessity if you want to do Business today. Many of us either love it or hate it. Personally, I wasn't too fond of it in the past. Although I'm a outgoing person, I just hated starting conversations with people I had no idea what to say to. Oh yes, my friends reading this will laugh out loud. "Yeah right, Simone, shy? She can talk anyone under the table!" Ha ha, very funny, but that is beside the point. Many folks, even extroverts, avoid networking for the simple fact that they don't want to talk to strangers. Some feel that they don't have anything to offer, or don't feel like going to a pick up joint disguised as a networking event. Yeah, you know the ones. I actually went to one last week and I was asking where the 'networking' was as I looked at the dance floor full of executives doing the electric slide (I kid you not! The electric slide!) I thought, "Darn! Foiled again!" Hey, we all love to have fun, but if it's a party, just say it's a party! Come on!
So, you see why I got fed up and started my own event, "Give 'N Take Network": http://www.giventakenetwork.org? There's still hope for us all...we can make networking work if we really think about the benefits and plan for a successful outcome.
The things that can arise from networking are amazing. Most of my best contacts are people I met at Business conferences and networking events. I actually make it a point to tell my clients to schedule in at least two networking events a month that target their audiences. Being seen and heard will increase your chances of success! Not only is networking good for Business, but also for your personal life!
Business Benefits:
? Expand your customer base
? Get a new job or referrals
? Promote your Business
Personal Benefits:
? Meet new friends
? Build your self-confidence
? Have fun!
Four Easy Steps to Working a Room:
1. Be prepared
2. Introductions
3. Sealing the Deal
4. Follow Up
Be Prepared
? Have a positive attitude
? Go with a purpose! What would you like to accomplish at this event?
? Bring plenty of Business cards. Have a cardholder for easy access and also have a place to put cards of people that you meet.
? If you come with your buddies...make sure they know you aren't joined at the hip. The worst thing you can be that night is a clique. When you get to the event, make it your goal to split up. That will encourage you to network even more. I know it's hard, but you gotta cut the cord sometimes.
Introductions..Don't be shy
? Walk up to someone and introduce yourself. Make eye contact and give them a firm handshake. Okay, let me be clear: please, no Incredible Hulk grips! I can't tell you how many times I've had my ring imprint make me want to cry from one of those shakes. What are you people trying to prove with those grips? LOL. However, you must by all means avoid the wimpy damp-palm handshake that just collapses within the other person's hand. If you do that, you come across just like that -wimpy or even worse, like you're royalty and you want them to kiss your hand.
? Say your first and last name while introducing yourself. Once they tell you their name, here are some tricks to remember it!
1. Listen for the name and repeat it, "Nice to meet you, Nadine."
2. Use the name in your conversation.
3. Play name association games to remind yourself, such as
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