Go to the function with a goal in mind. Decide what your networking
goals will be for the event. What information or resources are you
seeking to help you? Is this a likely event for getting that support?
Present yourself attractively. Go confidently. Go prepared.
Dress to win. Wear your best colors and an outfit that helps you to
feel your best.
Take your networking tools. Take a good supply of business
cards, a good pen and a pocket calendar.
Decide how many strong contacts you want to make for the evening.
Go for quality of contacts rather than for large numbers. Keep in
mind your primary purpose for networking at this event. One or two
quality contacts may be a reasonable goal.
Enter the room, center yourself and observe. Before getting
into conversations with people, take a few seconds to center yourself.
Observe the climate of the room. Quickly scan the room, determine
where power groups more likely to form. Mentally decide on the one
or two people that you want to meet.
Initiate a conversation. Smile, establish eye contact, extend
a handshake, and introduce yourself. The person standing alone will
appreciate your rescuing them from a lonely predicament. Initiate
a conversation.
Ask good questions and listen. Ask no more than one or two
key questions at the beginning. Listen carefully to their reply; be
willing to hear what they say.
Circulate. Use your discretion as to the amount of time you
spend with your contacts at the event. Remember that your goal is
to get quality contacts. Be sure to exchange cards as you circulate.
Use the back of business cards to make interesting points such as
how you met and what was discussed.
Don't get stuck. Don't get drawn into lengthy business discussions
at a networking event. Arrange a follow-up meeting if you want a long
discussion.
Follow-up. Be patient when you network. And don't forget to
water the seeds you've planted. Follow-up!
Find out about how to have Deb speak to your group.
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