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If you know the right techniques, working a room can
be fun rather than frightening.
First you need to put together the tools you will need
to be a successful networker. These include your business
card (get one - even if you are between employments or just
barely starting your business - otherwise you will probably
end up with a pocket full of paper napkins), a list of people
whose work you respect to fulfill the giving part of the
networking process, and a tracking system to keep from being
overwhelmed by all the new names you will acquire.
The best tip in working a room is to not "go it alone"
but take a buddy along with you, someone who knows some
of the people there is advantageous but not necessary. This
way you each meet people and can introduce the other to
them along with an endorsement. You look more than a little
silly if you introduce yourself too someone and immediately
tell them how wonderful they are. However, it's a whole
different scenario is someone else, in introducing you,
mentions it.
HERE ARE SOME OTHER SUGGESTIONS, IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER
OF IMPORTANCE.
Make sure you have your "elevator speech" down
pat so that you can introduce your self clearly and quickly.
Check the news before you go to the event to make sure
you haven't missed something of vital importance to the
industry (if you're in telecom, you'd better know who just
got arrested).
Just because someone is standing alone doesn't mean they
aren't a potentially valuable contact - pair up with them
and become a group others want to join.
If you assume that anyone attending a networking event
is there to meet other people you would be right - their
reason may be different from yours but you can correctly
assume that they will welcome your approach. If, by some
strange reason they don't, you're better off not wasting
your time.
Groups that have a gap in the circle are open to new people
joining them - as are duos who are not directly facing each
other less than 24 inches apart. Come stand in the opening
and wait for the speaker to acknowledge you.
AND A FEW LOGISTICS
Wear your nametag on the right side so that when someone
shakes hands with you they will see your face with your
name right under it. This may help them to remember you.
And, about that handshake. It is vitally important because
it is the only time in business when we legitimately touch
another person so it leaves a lasting, if subliminal, message.
To ensure a pleasant handshake, carry any cold drink in
your left hand so that you don't give people a cold, wet
hand to shake.
Carry your business cards on one pocket (left or right)
and those you receive in the other along with a small pen
to make notes on the cards. Make the notes when you are
talking to someone, especially if you promise to send them
something, but no later than when you hang up the jacket
that night. Otherwise you are likely to end up with a drawerful
of cards with no idea of who the people are.
Sit at a table with as many strangers as possible - they
probably won't be strangers by the end of the event.
Finally, relax and have fun - and you'll have a lot more
friends soon.
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