Does the thought of networking strike fear in your heart? You're not alone. Not many people are thoroughly at ease walking into a roomful of strangers. Don't kid yourself - it's not easy for anyone. Yet if you can build some skills in this area, and learn some basic techniques, the process does become easier.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Prior to attending a networking event, determine your goals. Do you want to meet someone specific whom you know will be there? Do you want to introduce yourself to three people in your line of work and spend some time talking with them? Or maybe your goals are simpler - you want to walk through the room without your knees knocking. If you never set any goals, you'll never know whether or not you've reached them. And you'll spend the last hour of the event wondering if it's okay to leave, or if you should stay and do something else. During an event once you've met your goals, go home! You've succeeded.
Other basics:
- Prepare your self-introduction
- Bring plenty of business cards, and
- Prepare some small talk.
Pretend You Are a Host - Not a Guest
During the event, take your focus off yourself, and place it squarely onto others. If you notice someone standing alone, walk up and introduce yourself. They will be grateful you did. It's amazing, but when you care about other people's comfort more than your own, your clumsiness and self-consciousness go away.
Handshakes
We all know to avoid giving a too firm or too limp handshake. How do you know if you're guilty of doing either? Test your handshake with a trusted friend or colleague. Let them tell you honestly whether your handshake is a bone crusher or is it a limp fish?
Some advice for the men: Some of you have been taught that it is impolite to offer your hand fist to a woman. Stop it! You are offending women by not offering to shake their hand. And women - if you encounter a man who does not offer his hand, offer yours immediately. It will gain you instant credibility.
Shaking hands with someone who is standing while you are seated places you in an inferior position. Stand up and offer your hand.
Nametags
Always place your nametag on your right side. It makes it easier for someone who is shaking your hand to simply look up your arm and remind themselves of your name.
Give Yourself a Break
As you put these skills to use, you'll discover that networking becomes easier. It may never be entirely fun for you, but give yourself a break. Set goals appropriate for yourself and feel good when you reach them.
Top 10 Networking Errors
1. Forgetting someone's name.
2. Ignoring someone in your conversational circle.
3. Talking to someone while your eyes work the rest of the room.
4. Leaving the restaurant bill sitting in the middle of the table.
5. Pointing out anyone else's etiquette error.
6. Failing to offer your hand to anyone you are introduced to.
7. Monopolizing someone's time at a networking event.
8. Failing to follow up if you promised to do so.
9. Eating or drinking too much.
10. Socializing only with your own clique.
About the Author:
Lynn Ruby helps entrepreneurs who don't have a marketing department, create and implement marketing strategies - online and offline- to draw in new customers and grow their business.
Get your FREE copy of her e-book 18 Deadly Mistakes to Avoid With Your First Website at http://www.rubymarketingsystems.com
(c) Lynn Ruby - All Rights Reserved Worldwide
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