It's that time of year again. Peer to peer networking is
an important part of business or career development, and
December provides more networking opportunities than any
other month. Does the thought of mixing and mingling with
strangers fill you with dread? It doesn't need to. Just
keep these five tips in mind:
1. The most important of all networking skills is
listening. Instead of worrying about what you can talk
about, think about what you can ask others to talk about.
Simply ask people about themselves and listen respectfully
and attentively to the answer. Too many people feel nobody
ever listens to them, and if you provide both opportunity
and audience you'll be amazed at how easy the conversation
becomes.
People love to talk about themselves, but remember that you
are networking for a reason. If you are scouting for
business, try to keep the conversation about business. Ask
them about their business or their job or their company,
and then mentally make notes that can help you decide
whether to follow up with them later or not.
2. Small talk can lead to big talk. Sometimes we are so
worried about breaking into conversation groups that we
miss the first opportunity to meet people: the food table!
While you're in line for breakfast or other refreshments,
start a conversation about the food. By the time you both
reach the end of the line, you'll be ready to join the
general buzz.
3. Once you are in a group, small talk can also be useful
in beginning a useful dialogue. Not sure what topics to
introduce? Here's a great tip: scan the newspaper before
you go to the event. Find something intriguing, cute, funny
or amazing (not controversial or horrifying) and if there's
a lull in the conversation just bring it up as something
you read in the paper that morning. This is a great way to
involve others and create a friendly environment.
Relationships can blossom easily in such a setting.
4. Remember that networking can be one step in developing
clients, but it is NOT a selling situation. There's nothing
worse than having someone back you into a corner at a
networking event and try to sell you their services. Don't
be that person. Concentrate on making connections, and
follow up later on those that look like good prospects for
your services.
5. Please don't waste your networking opportunities by
spending time with people you see every day at work. I know
this is tempting because it's easy --- but it's not
networking. The idea is to meet new people.
Most important, go to business or career networking events
with an open mind and an intention to enjoy the event and
the company. The rest will take care of itself. Happy
Networking!
----------------------------------------------------
Helen Wilkie is a professional keynote speaker, workshop
leader and author. If you'd like more of her advice on
networking, visit
http://www.mhwcom.com/pages/sowinggrowingaudio.html While
you are on Helen's site, subscribe to "Communi-keys" ---
Helen will send you her free e-book, "23 Ideas You Can Use
Right Now to Communicate and Succeed in Your Business
Career!"
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