Smile. Talk. Listen.
Networking. Yup, even the word strikes fear into the heart of many of us. Images of standing – alone – by the bar or the entrance/exit, name badge smudged, glass in hand and terror on the fisog. Or worse still, enduring yet another B.O.R.I.N.G. pitch from an SEO/social networking ‘expert’ (enough already!), while desperately scanning the room for potential Entebbe-style rescuers. Without looking desperate.
Never easy for newbies. Even extrovert newbies.
So if you’re a little on the shy side (like I was before becoming a networking groupie) here are some helpful hints and tips to make networking a fun experience. Not only do they provide a great opportunity to increase your self-confidence – and give you a chance to practice the dreaded ‘elevator pitch’ – you may even meet some lovely people – or the love of your life! Who knows…
1. Don’t eat garlic or go out on the razz the night before. Obvious, yes, but fresh breath is key to good rapport and engaging people. Pungent herbs and beer breath is a major turnoff at any time, let alone at a network meeting. First impressions do count. So avoid a nasty case of billy no mates and make sure you have a supply of mints/breath freshener/ mouthwash to hand, too.
2. Refine your elevator pitch. Sixty seconds is all you need to tell someone about yourself or your business. Any longer and they’ll have either glazed over, or have interrupted you. Yes, human beings can be cruel. Practice in front of friends and make your soundbites short, snappy – and relevant!
3. Location. Location. Location. As with property, your physical positioning at a network event is all important too. Good places to hang are the bar, the entrance/exit and by the food table. People tend to congregate here, so it will be easier to engage in conversation.
4. Find people who are on their own to talk to first. At networking events it’s considered okay to interrupt others who are talking. But unless you’re a skilled and smooth operator, this approach can be a little daunting – and can backfire. So go solo at first.
5. Who’s looking at you, babe? Maintaining eye contact is crucial when listening (another important part of networking). Keep a steady gaze for at least a few seconds before looking away. Oh, and avoid the mad axe murderer stare – not good for business.
6. Ensure your beautiful business cards are easily accessible. Ferreting around in trouser pockets and deep handbags not only looks unprofessional, it screams “I’m disorganised!” Not a good first impression. And carry them in a smart holder.
If you’d like more tips on successful networking, listen to our Actionpodcast show on the subject.
And here’s a great book: Professional Networking For Dummies by Donna Fisher.
Next blog, I’ll be talking about the various network groups I’ve attended that I think you’ll enjoy too. Happy networking!
