Networking for Newbies
I know. I know. It’s so hard to get off the couch, fold the newspaper away and drag yourself to a roomful of people you never met. I mean really, who wants to do that? But, alas, it is what you must do if you are to get the next lead.
No need to get into a knot over networking events…
Networking Type Matters: If it’s going to be your first venture out, and you’re anxious about what to expect and how to handle yourself, choose an event with content (a guest speaker, mini workshop, show & tell) and an agenda. This way you won’t have to spend several hours networking without a net.
Bring a Friend: If breaking the ice with a stranger doesn’t come easy for you then drag a friend along. Having a sidekick raises the fun factor; you can challenge each other, take a break, discuss the contact you made, even diss the food. Once you improve your communication skills you should try going it alone.
Go for the Wallflower: If breaking into an already established conversation amongst a group of people causes you to break into a sweat, go for the wallflower. That person is probably a newbie networker as well and the two of you will have plenty in common to get a conversation started. Approach the most forlorn and lonely-looking person in the room, if you find it impossible to enter a group of avid talkers.
Don't put pressure on yourself to have X number of conversations or to collect a certain quantity of business cards. Fewer, richer conversations are better than lots of quick and forgettable ones.
Conversation Starters: Look around the room. Do you see a skilled conversationalist? Well, he wasn’t born that way. He developed those skills by practicing them at events like these. Or in the mirror.
Not sure how to start a conversation? Think of it as an informal interview. "So, what brings you here this evening?" Oh, and don't restrict yourself to strictly business topics; just let the conversation flow. You never know what possibilities lie ahead.
Gently Pitch, Don't Spit: Conversation spitting is insinuating your infomercial in a person's face - don't do it! Be prepared with a one-liner that clearly shares what you do without going into detail. Something like, "I write copy that gets companies noticed” is way better than a 45 second self-description which interrupts the normal flow of human conversation.
Ease your way in…
- Ask Questions.
Ask new acquaintances questions about themselves and their interests If you don't know a thing about cranial sacral therapy, don't be afraid to ask the 'stupid' questions. Trust me, we’re all in it for the same reason (to make new contacts) so the therapist standing next to you at the coffee bar will be thrilled you initiated conversation. That’s how a rapport is built. - Wrap up.
Always end a conversation by thanking a person for their time, and expressing your admiration for the person. "I enjoyed getting to know you” is a nice way to part. If you feel like asking for a business card, by all means do it, but don't ask for it if you don't want it and plan to throw it away the minute you get a chance. - Show gratitude.
The day after a networking event, write to the people you most enjoyed meeting and thank them for their conversation. Keep it genuine.
If you’re especially interested in following up with someone in particular, take the extra step and send something of value along with it; for example, the link to an article that's relevant to your new friend's area of expertise or interests. - Thank the organizer.
Appreciation shown by way of post meeting phone call or follow up email is uncommonly done but always happily received. Take a moment to thank the event organizer or host for his or her time and effort.
Networking isn't about the quantity of contacts you make; it's about the quality of relationships you build and enjoy. Good networking takes time, commitment, and a personal investment in relationship building.
Shari Reinhart is the founder of MiB Business Networking for Women. We hold monthly meetings and produce workshops, events and exhibitions for business marketing and promotion. For more tips, ideas, support and inspiration go to http://www.mibconnections.com/
Get Out of Your Own Way! © Shari Reinhart 2008. MiB - Making connections one meeting at a time.