Part 3: Network with Confidence!!

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,

Part 2: Let's Discuss Networking Styles!

Networking is crucial to any business that desires to grow and expand! FACT. 

Last week we started discussing Are You "Networking!!" or "Netwatching??" it was the intro to a 3 part series! This past Friday we discussed {Part 1: 5 Signs You Are Netwatching!}. If you missed either of these discussions then read those prior to continuing.

Networking comes in many styles. You have Target-Market Based networking events, One-on-One meetings and Casual Networking events. Because networking can be applied to any of these I will be giving examples of all! Today's post is all about the different styles of networking events & what to do at the networking events. To begin let's start with target-market based networking events. 

ABC New Jersey State Conference 2011

(Sadly I wasn't at this one..)

Target-Market Based networking events for me fall in the category of Bridal Shows, Industry educational related events, etc. At these type of events your goal is to make your business known, discretely. I say discretely because you want to say hello, without screaming it..if you get my drift. You are attending on the basis of learning, but also to meet & greet new businesses that can help your business grow. At these kind of events you should dress professionally. A nice button down top w/business jacket/blazer, a pin-striped skirt and 3 inch heels (black preferably!) You should look classy & fit-in. <--- I technically don't follow this rule, however for those that like rules this is the typical industry look. I like to be a little bolder and stand out. So you will find me wearing bold colors, especially when it comes to my shoes! Be prepared to hand out a business card if it comes up in a conversation. When cards are given out (especially at educational based networking events) it happens at the end of the event. So don't walk in throwing cards at people..get the education, socialize and distribute then! Sometimes networking means being at the event and learning and socializing. Not necessarily saying this is who I am, utilize my services. This is the start of a network connection.

(Meetings can take place at Panera Bread, Starbucks, Olive Garden etc!!)

One-on-One meetings are great and are usually formed after attending an educational networking event, bridal show, etc. This is the next step to continue a connection made. This is your opportunity to create a long-lasting relationship or just a social media based relationship. Networking is great, and one-on-one meetings are crucial because it allows you to know if you want to actually work with this new connection. 

"You won't work with everyone, some are just nice to chat with on social media." -UrDreamPlanner

I love One-on-One meetings because you learn a person's personality, goals, desires, etc and see if they match up with what your trying to present to your clientele. When at a large target-market based networking event you don't get to know the person, you just see the surface. Therefore having this personal one-on-one meeting can give you a feel for your next move. I have had good & bad one-on-one meetings. Some meetings have created long-lasting relationships, while others are some of my coolest social media friends!! {{Now being a social media friend is NOT a bad thing! My main social media friends are those that don't live within 150 miles of me. These are friends that I only see on fb, twitter, blogger etc unless we both attend a national or regional networking event. I usually do not work with these people not because they are not amazing(because ALL my friends are amazing :-)), but because at the moment I don't have a clientele in their specific area. Having social media friends is equally important as local colleagues because you never know where your next client may come from and it's great to have connections all over the world!}} Be yourself when attending one-on-one meetings, dress professional during these meetings as well, every impression makes a difference! This is your time to shine and show who you are and how you can help the other business!  

::Awesome Tip::

If you're the one setting up the meeting be prepared to treat the other person (& yourself, no one likes to eat alone) to some Food!! It's a kind gesture that goes a long way. :-)

I Do Brunch 2011 for Wedding Planners!

Lastly, and one of my favorites are Casual Networking events! Casual Networking events are awesome!! When attending these networking events you tend to be more comfortable. I find that when I attend these it is because I am apart of the organization, I am attending with someone else, and I am just comfortable at going out there and talking with random people that I don't know and catching back up with those social media friends and local colleagues!!  Casual Networking events can be professional attire and is usually fun professional attire. Because of the fact that you ARE a professional you should always dress accordingly. Depending on the event, you can dress it up or dress it down as long as your camera ready. You may not think you are in the picture but if you happen to get in a side shot that you weren't expecting you need to be dress nicely!

Always carry business cards and try to remember names! At Casual Networking events, you tend to see some of the same faces over and over. If you don't remember someone's name and they remember yours (this has happened to me..Shhh o_O) it is okay, ask them what their name is. Just don't let it happen twice. I one time found myself looking on Fb so I could figure out who I was talking to..it happens..but try not to make a habit of it! People like to be remembered especially at these type of events. Be yourself, dress nice, hand out a few cards and enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So we discussed several types of networking events! I decided to save discussing how to be a confident networker for the last post because people tend to remember most what they read last. So this Wednesday we will learn how to be a confident networker. 

If you attend networking events, which do you find to be your favorite style? Do you follow any of these rules? Feel free to add some tips on anything listed above!

Sincerely,

Part 1: "5 Signs You Are Netwatching!"

Today I will begin the three part series on the subject of:

Are You "Networking" or Netwatching"?? <-- Click to read more..) 

Part 1 begins with netwatching. Netwatching is what I described as, "watching others network". Netwatching is normally not something done on purpose, but tends to be how most people start out when they begin to explore the area of networking.

5 Signs You Are Netwatching:

• #1. You are not attending any networking events.
• #2. When you attend you don't talk to hardly anyone.
• #3. You don't bring business cards to hand out.
• #4. You wait for others to acknowledge you.
• #5. You leave networking events early.

If after reading these five signs, you feel that they were describing you; then you are netwatching and NOT networking. You're getting all dressed up and no one is noticing your awesome accessories or nice hair cut. Bummer. Networking is about stepping out and being remembered. If you are serious about your business and want to see it blossom and expand then stop netwatching. 

Okay, so you know you're a netwatcher...now what?!? What is the next step that needs to be taken?? It's "easy"...you need to begin networking! Easy, I really like that word because often times when it is used, it's used in an area that is not very easy to most. Networking can be "easy", yet it takes the right characteristics to make a great impression! 

Don't know how to do "easy" networking? Then tune in for the rest of the series, which is continuing on Monday to learn what networking is all about and how to become a confident networker!!

Before you go read one of my netwatching experiences. (Yup, I admit that I use to netwatch..Guilty!)

...It was a June 2009 networking event and I was going solo (scared..lol) I drove roughly 30 minutes talking to myself about how I will be confident as I walk in. So I arrived in my business attire and lucky me the weather wasn't the greatest (so my hair began getting frizzy). There went half the confidence that I gave myself in the car..lol (all over my hair!! smh) So I go in and I get my name tag and all this information. I walk into the room and I know not one person. So I smile and nod my head here and there from afar. As I walk from booth to booth I come across a cake booth and two young ladies asked me for my business card after a few minutes of conversation. (I was sooooo happy...lol) So of course I am like yes, that would be great. As I struggled for almost five minutes to get my plain--white--one sided--basic business cards (remember your business card is a representation of your business, so if your business isn't plain and boring then your business card shouldn't be either--make the needed investment from the start!). While searching for my business cards (dropping the papers I had in my hand) I eventually took theirs and handed them mines and don't you know a pen busted in my purse and got all over my already plain business cards o_O...I didn't notice until they brought it up which was even more embarrassing!! I couldn't wait to get out of there..lol...the story is almost over...I then continued to walk around and I saw another group talking about blogging (which at that time I blogged all the time..lol) so I figured I would jump in the convo...didn't happen!! I think they were offended that I tried to give my input. Or maybe I had extreme newbie written on my face ;-)..who knows..lol. Needless to say I left early and more scared of networking then when I had arrived. Luckily I didn't stop there. I will share more successful stories later in the series. ;-)

Netwatching is a phase of networking that many go through. It isn't a negative thing. When you notice that you are doing it, it's UBER important to make the changes to start networking!

Until next time..Share a story of a netwatching experience that you had!!

Sincerely,

Are You "Networking!!" or "Netwatching??"

Photo taken by: Photographer Unknown

 Me at ABC's Southern New Jersey networking event taken place at DFX Sound Vision!

(I'm wearing the big yellow bag and orange skirt :-D)

I love networking! I love to network! But for those that don't and maybe those that do you may or may not know what it actually is. Networking in my book can be defined as stepping out of your comfort zone to get to know another person with the goal of doing business in the future. Again this is just my definition...if you would like a more defined one, Please Click Here! This post is related to networking events vs one-on-one networking meetings.

Now when attending a networking event for the first time it can be scary! (I know from experience) It is recommend that you bring someone with you (well my recommendation) so that you are more comfortable maneuvering around the room. (if you don't know how to "maneuver the room" I will provide some tips on a later post!) Whether in a pair or alone it is crucially important that you attempt to say hello to everyone. This hello can be a simple wave & big smile from across the room, it can be a hand shake & big smile making it more personal, or it can mean sitting down at a table and passing out a business card after a few minutes of conversation all while wearing a big smile! As you can see, smiling is important...why?? "Well because you look more charming when you smile and people remember and rather engage with a smiling person who looks friendly then a serious person"

If you are completing this task solo it may take you a little longer, like attending 2 or 3 more networking events longer, but that's okay! Bravery comes in steps so take baby steps if need be. Once you've attended you a few you begin to make friends and that's where the fun begins!! 

Photo taken by: Mogul Photography

My wedding planner colleagues enjoying some cocktails at the I Do Brunch, a relaxing networking event for Wedding Planners! (Amani, Deidre, Sharnell, Me, Stephanie & LaTonya.)

(I had a virgin cocktail..the bartender said I looked like a baby..lol)

Networking is powerful and can lead to many open doors later down the road. However, some people attend networking events and "netwatch". Well what is "netwatching" you ask?? Netwatching is when you watch others network! (it's that simple) Like said before attending these type of events can be scary but you will get nowhere if you come in: go to the bar to grab a drink, find a table and hope that someone will come say hi (which some"one" more than likely will) as you watch the others attending laugh and putting on their brave faces while walking around the room. As a netwatcher you've handed out 0-3 business cards when there is a room full of people and you leave more scared of networking then when you arrived! 

When netwatching you are not stepping out of your comfort zone, instead your more than likely hoping noone comes over to the big empty table (seated for 8 ppl, but it's just you and a large centerpiece) to say hello. Netwatching means that you probably haven't practiced what you would say if someone came over and I am probably sure many networkers don't do this either. None the less, practice makes perfect and makes you more confident! So practice what you want others to know about you and it will make you 100% more confident as you walk into a room full of newbies & professionals who are coming together to network. Mustard up the courage to go from table to table and simply start by introducing yourself and then smile! Smiling makes everyone more relaxed, so always remember to smile and give out your business card!

"As a netwatcher, your watching others get ahead. Don't be a netwatcher..be a networker!"

So I don't overwhelm you this will be broken down into a three part series of "Netwatching", "Networking", & "Tips on being a confident networker". This three part series will give you more insight on how to network and not netwatch.

This series starts Friday!! So make sure you check back in so you don't miss anything!! 

Until then ask yourself this question... 

"Am I Networking or Netwatching"??
Share your story below, it just may help someone!

Sincerely,

Get In Where You Fit In!!

April is booming with a plethora of networking events!! These great upcoming events are not to be missed and will be a lot of fun!! Here's a few of the many events taking place in the Northeast!! Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC will be in attendance at most of them, so if your attending be sure to find me and say hi!

April Networking Events!!

Soiree In The City

April 17th, 2011

2:00pm-5:00pm

(tickets still available!)

Lasagna & Jewelry: Premier Design Jewelry Party

April 23rd, 2011

3:00pm-5:30pm

(rsvp required via eventbrite)

Planners Pizzazz Pizza Party (Wedding Planners Only)

April 26th, 2011

6:30-9:30pm

(rsvp to attend)

The Bride, The Dress, The Venue

April 26th, 2011

7:00-10:00pm

(register to attend)

Annual "I Do Brunch 2011" (Wedding Planners Only)

April 30th, 2011

10:00am-3:00pm

(tickets sold out)

The events above are just a few of the great networking happening in the month of April! Try to attend at least one event and be sure to bring a lot of business cards, a smile and your personality and make a great impression!

MRCC Bridal & Special Events Industry Evening Networking Event

Attention NJ!!!

It's A *FREE* Networking Event!!!

 

Written by MRCC Event PR: Can be found on FB!

The leading advertising and media resources in the Garden State are coming together again for a networking event. Attendees have a chance to meet fellow colleagues and top professionals in the wedding industry.

Those who should attend include: Wedding planners, bridal consultants, wedding suppliers and industry professionals who actively market to... engaged couples

Event sponsors includes top advertising specialists such as
·Erik Kent from NJWedding.com
·Joe Tortorello from WeddingZone.net
·David Ciccolella from WedAlert.com
·Tom Chillemi from BRIDES.com / BRIDES New Jersey
·Gary Paris from Contemporary Bride Magazine
·Bill Lippolis from Bridal Expo, Inc. of New Jersey
·Joe Zoratti & Jude Martin-Cianfano, producers of the MRCC Bridal & Special Events Showcase

It's on Tuesday July 27th

at the Trenton Marriott

from 6-9pm

This is a FREE event up to 2 representatives per company, $10 per additional representative. Pre-register at the Register Now button at:

http://mercervillenjcoc.weblinkconnect.com/CWT/External/WCPages/WCEvents/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=596

Questions?
Contact Jude at Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce
email: jude@mercerchamber.org
phone: (609) 689-9960x 14

Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC will be in attendance and so should you!! 

 

WeWed Summer 2010!!

Hello!

 

I just had to share this great learning and networking event with everyone! It's  being hosted by "Kelly McWilliams" from Weddings By Socialites!! 

 

Learn More about WeWed Summer 2010 by reading below, but FIRST... 

 

Here's Some ways you can save money:

 Follow @SaundraHadley on twitter and send her a Tweet with the hashtag #WeWed at the end.  I'll then send you a $20 discount code! Twitpic a picture of yourself in Chucks with the tweet, and I'll send you a $25 discount!  Promo valid thru 5/26!

 

Here's my TwitPics!!

 

 

WeWed Summer 2010

Learn, Network & Dine

a Gathering of the Best Wedding Professionals

There's going to be 4 educational workshops!!

The Style Plan Workshop

Presented by Jeannine Kennedy

Closing the Deal:

Get real sales methods for event professionals

Presented by Saundra Hadley

Time Management Cafe

Your Day Made to Order

Presented by Elisa Delgardio

Ask & Ye Shall Receive:

A panel discussion with real brides

Discussion hosted by Kelly McWilliams

Networking & Dining!

Get more Details and Register for WeWed Summer 2010!!

Register & Purchase:

WeWedSummer2010.EventBrite.com

Registration prices range from $160 to $275 depending on the events you attend.

There are limited registrations available for the workshops and the Speakers Supper to keep the learning environment productive and the dinner intimate.

Online registration available beginning May 11 and closes June 1st

 

Location:

Resort & Spa at Marina Village

June 15-16, 2010

 

For further questions:

Call: 239-673-9620

Twitter: Twitter.com/WeWed

Facebook: WeWed

 

Happy Tweeting! = )