Have you ever been to a networking event where you felt like a total stranger?
You looked around and it seems like everyone are deep in their own conversation, totally ignoring the fact that you actually exist in the room?
Sounds familiar?
Over the years of my corporate journey, I have been to numerous functions and networking events. As a keen observer and learner, I realised some of the best networkers in the room aren't the most handsome or pretty, neither are they the most qualified with a long string of titles.
The best networkers are the ones who are able to make a meaningful connection with their audiences and leave a lasting impression on them. They glide with ease from one group to another and by the time the event comes to a close, they would have sized up everyone in the room.
But, how do I do that without being crippled by fear?
Or risked being completely ignored and rejected by others?
These feelings are real, particularly if you are a born introvert.
Here are 5 things you can do to overcome that:
Experts say it only takes 7 seconds for a person to form an impression of you, upon meeting you for the first time.
So dressed the part.
As easy as it sounds, sometimes this can be one of the hardest steps as being over dressed or under dressed can send the wrong signal to everyone in the room. At times, it may even be misinterpreted as a sign of disrespect to the host.
So always checked the dress code and come in your best dress (literally)
Yup, that's right.
If you stomped into the room looking like you are ready to pounce on anyone, chances are you are turning people away more than attracting them to you.
Nobody likes to hang around with a poker face or a sour puss.
So relax and smile.
Instead of waiting for someone to come up to you which could take forever, be pro active and approach them instead.
Introduce yourself and extend a firm handshake. A limp handshake signifies a lack of confidence. So make sure you offer a firm handshake to send the message that "You mean business".
If a person is in the middle of a conversation, never ever interrupt them or shove your business card right in front of their faces.
That is just outright r.u.d.e
Instead, what you should do is smile and nod your head to acknowledge the presence of everyone in the group. Then listened intently until he or she has finished their conversation, before you join in and offer your two cents.
When you speak, articulate and communicate your thoughts and views clearly. Don't muddle everything up or go around beating the bush until you confuse yourself and others.
Always check the reaction and facial expression of others as you speak, to ensure your audience understood what you are trying to convey.
Don't speak like a bullet train. You are not rushing to save the world. Pace yourself and take your time to allow others to absorb and comprehend what you are trying to say.
Last but not least, don't commit verbal diarrhoea. Doesn't mean that you are knowledgeable and experienced in that particular area you can hog the entire conversation. Allow time for others to offer their perspective, for the conversation to flow. That's how you learn.
The key is to speak wisely and if you really have nothing intelligent to say, just keep quiet and listen instead. No one can fault you for being quiet.
These are some quick tips to help you network like a pro.
Which of these tips do you find most helpful to you?
Share your thoughts and comment below.
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