How to be a Networking Smoothy
You know the guy. He is so smooth, you enjoy talking with him, even though he's your number one competition. He is suave, attentive and uber confident. He also might be a cyborg. But with a little conditioning you can be that guy or gal (or cyborg.)
Like anything else, graceful networking takes practice and preparation.
Prior to the event…
Once you know you are attending an event, mentally prepare yourself by writing a few things down. The people who sound like their working from a script probably are. If you appear confident, it will put people at ease.
-Write an introduction of yourself that is event-appropriate. (Please refrain from platitudes or value statements.) And remember, call the person by name, if you know it.
-Come up with some general statements that will help you start up a convo. Here are a few examples:
What do you think of the event?
Have you been to this event before?
How long have you been a ____?
How did you get involved with____? OR How do you know ____?
-Ask open-ended questions about them. People are comfortable talking about what they know…themselves.
-Write down your value statements and practice presenting them in a natural way. What do you sell or do? What’s the value to others?
-What are your exit statements? How are you getting out of this conversation? Think of how to exit gracefully and score a follow-up appointment to boot.
Can I give you a call next week to talk more?
Good to meet you…Will I see you at any other meetings this year?
The day of the event...
-Set yourself some goals and objectives. Who do you want to meet? How many numbers/cards do you want to bring home?
-Make an attitude adjustment. Be positive and happy; you’ll attract more people. Remain interested and inquisitive.
At the event…
-Start conversations with people. Use what you prepared to get the convo flowing.
-Send the right signals. Stand in an open position (no crossed arms). Smile and even if you’re tired, appear full of energy.
-Ask questions to get people talking and feeling comfortable. And always focus on the person in front of you. It’s in poor taste to be looking around for a bigger fish.
-Make your point at an appropriate time.
Post event…
Evaluate how you did. Think about your goals. Did you meet them?
-Follow up immediately. The people you spoke with will forget about you if you don’t follow up in the first few days with a written message or phone call.
-And start looking for another chance to flaunt your networking chops. After all, you are now an expert.
