Over the past week we have been discussing "networking vs. netwatching" & the "signs of being a netwatcher". We discussed the different "types of networking event styles" and what to do at these particular events.
Whether you are in the netwatching phase or a blooming networker it must be done with confidence. Wondering how you can be a confident netwatcher?? --> If you're in the netwatching phase and you begin to have confidence within yourself it will allow you to move up and out and continue on your journey to become a successful networker!!
Today I want to discuss how to network with confidence, by describing a networking technique I like to call...
"Maneuvering-The-Room"
Learning how to maneuver a room at any kind of networking event, whether educational or social is very important. You do not want to become bound in one area and miss out on creating new relationships. So follow these 10 simple rules and you will be awesome at maneuvering no matter the occasion.
So let's maneuver...
#1. Enter with confidence, (enter with a smile!)...
#2. Find a familiar face and strike up a convo. (not required..this is just what I do.)...
#3. Walk to grab a drink or bite to eat and engage with another person doing the same...laugh, find something great to talk about!...
#4. Find a table, sit and enjoy your food..a table that has someone at it...discuss something...
....By now you have circulated the room...you've seen a familiar face which has already boosted your confidence and made you more comfortable. Don't stay with that person too long as you want to meet others. People love to talk over food & drinks so creating small talk over food is like an ice-breaker. (Talk about the food if you can't think of anything else.) By step three you have began to settle into your self. So finding a table that already has people will be a good idea because you want to keep the flow going..don't isolate yourself! When sitting at a table and engaging your able to now 1. Eat, 2. Find your business cards and 3. Make a new friend. (because when people are sitting at a table they are kind of forced to talk to each other for at least a few minutes, which in return can end up in a great convo!)...
#5. Continue to mingle, grab another drink, introduce yourself with a hand shake & smile...
#6. Find a semi-full table and jump in the conversation...
#7. Be a conversation starter by asking questions and being excited about the other Pros!...
#8. KEEP IT POSITIVE, talk about social media: twitter, facebook, etc...
#9. Say hello to the person/company that put on this great event!...
#10. Don't leave without saying bye! Walk out with someone that you met keeping the conversation going all the way to the parking lot!
If a connection was made, reconnect after the event! Remember that a networking event is a room full of wedding/event industry related pros that want to sell you their services after the event is over! We all want to be of assistance to another pro as long as it's a good fit! Remember to stand out and to continuously attend local events. Become a face people remember when they walk into a room.
What's great about networking is that it doesn't have to happen only in person. Network via social media, via webinars, skype, oovoo, etc. Technology has advanced so greatly that there is truly no reason to not make any connections. Expose yourself to all that is available!
Share a tip! How do you "Maneuver-The-Room"??
Sincerely,
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~UrDreamPlanner