| When you enter the networking mixer do you | | | | lead, but they didn't have a card. The |
| feel like you have a two-foot perimeter of | | | | excuses range from running out to being in a |
| open space surrounding you? Everyone seems to | | | | career transition-all the more reason to have |
| be comfortably settled into clusters as they | | | | at least a generic model. If you are in |
| socialize unaware of your presence. You try | | | | transition or a graduating college student, |
| to make eye contact but you don't recognize | | | | chances are you are looking for a position. |
| anyone. You search for the bar. Even though | | | | Have a plain card with your name, phone |
| you're not thirsty, having something in your | | | | number and e-mail. If you want to be creative |
| hand might make you appear to be festive and | | | | you might also include a favorite quote. It |
| casual. | | | | will serve as a conversation piece or an |
| | | | icebreaker. |
| Walking determinedly across the room makes | | | | |
| you look powerful, you hope. Time stands | | | | Get their card |
| still. You make idle chat with the bar | | | | |
| tender, waiting to be rescued from this | | | | Novices at networking regularly fail to ask |
| miserable time warp. Even though you were | | | | others for their card. A rule of thumb: if |
| hoping to make business contacts, you're not | | | | they ask for your card it means they are |
| sure about the approach. Let's face it, you | | | | interested. Return the request immediately by |
| can't just walk up to a stranger and say, | | | | asking for theirs and jot down any |
| "Hey by the way I'm with A-1 Plumbing, do you | | | | information on the back of the card that |
| have any clogged drains?" | | | | might jog your memory later. It's actually |
| | | | more important to get their card because that |
| You decide to leave after 30 minute | | | | puts you in a position of control if you |
| networking is too uncomfortable. Oh well, at | | | | decide you need to contact them in the |
| least you showed up. Maybe it'll be better | | | | future. |
| next time. | | | | |
| | | | Focus on the relationship |
| Whether you are just out of college, in | | | | |
| career transition or building a successful | | | | Even though it's important to exchange |
| business, networking is a necessity to form | | | | business cards, the purpose of networking |
| lasting business relationships that lead to | | | | isn't a competition to collect business |
| referrals. Here are some tips to make your | | | | cards, nor is it to conduct business. The |
| networking pay off. | | | | focus should be on meeting new people and |
| | | | establishing new business and professional |
| Do your research | | | | relationships. |
| | | | |
| Before you go to a networking function, | | | | Polish your communication skills |
| decide whom you want to meet in advance and | | | | |
| why you want to meet them. Go to your | | | | Be in the present moment by using good eye |
| Business Journal's Book of Lists or the | | | | contact and smiling. It's rude to stare, but |
| membership roster to learn more about the | | | | it's also impolite to have darting eyes |
| attendees and members. If the people you want | | | | suggesting that there is someone more |
| to meet have a website, visit it and when you | | | | interesting across the room. Listen and ask |
| meet them, you now have something to comment | | | | questions more than you speak. No one wants |
| on. People are flattered when you are | | | | to be around a know-it-all or a bore. Read |
| interested enough to find out about them | | | | body language. Recognize that if someone is |
| before actually meeting them. | | | | rubbing their neck, yawning or has darting |
| | | | eyes, they are probably bored or simply lack |
| Act like a host | | | | good communication skills. Make a gracious |
| | | | exit. |
| By calling new members of your organization | | | | |
| before the mixer and inviting them to meet | | | | Let others join in |
| you there, you accomplish several things: You | | | | |
| help them become acclimated into the club, | | | | There is nothing more miserable than to be |
| you have someone to introduce around and you | | | | standing outside a circle of people who are |
| make a new business acquaintance that will be | | | | so engrossed in conversation that you feel |
| grateful for your leadership. | | | | ignored. Become observant to those who seem |
| | | | lost and invite them into the conversation by |
| Play matchmaker | | | | saying, "join us...we were just talking |
| | | | about..." Then at an appropriate time |
| Become a resource person by thinking ahead of | | | | introduce yourself to them and introduce them |
| how you can help others get leads and | | | | to the group. |
| referrals. Make a mental note of how to get | | | | |
| these contacts together. Go one step further | | | | Get out of your comfort zone |
| by making a few phone calls before the | | | | |
| meeting so you can facilitate the | | | | Visit briefly with old friends but don't |
| introductions. | | | | cling to them. Instead look for ways to |
| | | | introduce each other to new acquaintances. |
| Take your business cards | | | | Recognize that the more people you meet the |
| | | | more comfortable and fun it will be in the |
| I have been to so many functions where | | | | future and the more people you know, the more |
| someone could have had my business or a good | | | | business opportunities you create. |