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