by Mark Monlux, markmonlux.com
Are you the shy, bashful type? Have you ever found yourself going to a business event only to find yourself back at the office a few hours later wondering why you have nothing to show for it? And, it's not that you are a business wallflower either. You went, you chatted, you heard the speaker. But, as you parked the car back in the office parking lot you have a nagging feeling that you left your coat behind.
Your
disgruntled feeling might be
your instincts making you aware
that you missed a networking
opportunity. Well, before you
berate yourself too badly and
convince yourself never to step
a foot outside your office again
(thus insuring the demise of
your business and career) allow
me to provide some helpful networking
tips.
1.
Take Business Cards
Yeah,
it sounds obvious, doesn't it?
But you know you're guilty of
leaving them behind. So be sure
to grab a dozen before heading
out. We will get into how to
hand out a card in #4.
2.
Go Early
Not
only will this afford you a better
parking spot, but it will also
allow you more time to network
effectively. The folks who usually
show up early are key group members
who tend to know everybody and
the speaker who you came to hear
anyway.
3.
Wear that Nametag.
Not
everyone has a photographic memory.
Most of them can't remember their
in-laws' names let alone yours.
Do everyone a favor and wear
your name where it can be clearly
seen and if you get the chance
to write your name, go big. Most
of us wear glasses.
4.
Card Etiquette
--Do
not drop your cards on plates
throughout the room. For one
thing you want to meet people,
not plates and for another, the
group hosting the event may reserve
the right of table distribution
for the speaker or sponsors.
--Have your cards ready in an easily assessable pocket or cardholder. Digging around in your wallet or purse makes you look like you're getting ready to tip somebody.
--When you receive a card, take the time to read it over. Confirming the information is a nice way to engage and assures that you won't get a fax tone in your ear when you call later.
--Write the date and any notes on the back of the card. You'll be glad you did later.
-- Have a pocket ready to slide the incoming cards. You may need to refer to it before the meeting is over and keeping them in one place will lower the odds they end up in the laundry.
5.
Remain Engaged
--
A common mistake is to travel
around the room, seeking to hand
out and collect business cards
as quickly as possible. Your
objective is not collecting cards
to wallpaper your office; it
is making connections. You don't
want to take on the desperate
air of a lonely single in a bar
on Friday night. Take your time
speaking with others.
--Ask "feel good' questions like, "How did you get started?" or "What do you consider a challenging project?" You will learn more about your contacts' business than asking, "Hey, you got a job for me?"
-- Look for a familiar face who is talking with a stranger. Waiting for their acknowledgement will smoothly lead to an introduction.
--Do not be dissuaded by small groups. Think quality rather than quantity.
-- Don't hog a person. Yes, you lead a highly sheltered life and meeting a person who deeply interests you can be very intoxicating. But get a grip; they're here to mingle too and you don't want to be remember as cramping their style.
6.
Go with a Goal
If
you go with just the goal of
listening to the speaker, that
is okay. But, if you want to
take the most advantage of your "shmooze" time,
give yourself an objective. Seek
out a potential resource for
yourself or tell yourself you
want to meet three new people.
7.
Follow Up
Establish
an informal communication quickly
after the meeting. This is important
because it is outside of meetings
you will want to maintain ongoing
conversations. Business groups
may come and go but the connections
you work at establishing will
remain.
Follow these tips and you too can become a social butterfly. Now if you will excuse me, I have to go give Dan a kiss.
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© 2005 All Dear Mark materials are copyrighted by Mark Monlux, and may not be reproduced in any way without expressed written permission.