Networking
is an art form, you say?? NOT!
That’s what most people think. “I’ll go to this event, show up, pass out a few business cards and get back to work or home in time for dinner.” Well, I beg to differ in a major way about networking, especially using this kind of mindset when approaching a networking event.
Art involves creative and critical thinking. So does networking. To be successful in networking the principles are the same: dress the part, create a positive, business mindset, then plan on how to network when at the event. For example, if you are attending for the first time, go through the guest list (you can usually get access to this if you sign up online) and see if there’s anyone you know that’s going. Get in touch with this person and see if you can get information on how the event is conducted. Some events have people introduce themselves and give a short speech on what your business is and what your role is in the business. The last line of your speech should be something memorable, such as “I’m Joe from HyperSo and I want to do something outrageous today.” Do you think that line might be memorable? Of course it is...most people don’t say things like that. Be as creative or as conservative as you feel comfortable but make that last line memorable!
For the networking events that are more learning based, you might get there early, get your seat and then walk around and see who you know. If there is no one there you know, still be sure to smile at people and make it a goal to speak to at least 2-5 people before the session begins. After the session, you might get a chance to talk with a few people, but I’ve found that if it’s learning based, the best time to network is before the class begins, while getting coffee, a drink or hanging up your coat. While you walk around, smile and make eye contact, and take a moment to say hello, at the very least. If the session is beginning and there’s someone you wanted to talk with, let them you that you would like to talk after the session. Ask them politely if you might speak with them after the event. They will either say yes or no, I can’t. And if not, be sure to ask for a business card to get contact information and let them know you will be in touch. .
Art is about expression. So is networking. How you express yourself is the difference between people understanding what you are trying to say, or express, to them. For example, if I wanted to talk with Joe from HyperSo, I might begin with a catchy or funny line. I might say “Hi Joe, from HyperSo, who’s in the know. AND SMILE!!! I cannot stress this enough for networking or any meeting you have. I studied broadcasting and was told to smile whenever you spoke because “people hear you smiling.” And it’s true! Practice in the mirror or record yourself...say a sentence without a smile and then say it again with a big ol’ grin. Which one sounds better??? The smiling sentence, of course. If you want to be approachable (and you do!) wearing a smile is the best way to be perceived as approachable. A smile is always your best asset!
Now that you’ve arrived early at the event, listened to the speaker and are are getting ready to pack up and leave, look around. Look at the people that are there and see if there’s someone in close proximity to talk with, briefly, or if there’s someone across the room, make your way over there. Then, introduce yourself and if they can’t talk, get their contact information - usually a business card. Try to give them a memorable line, if possible, but if not, be the person that smiles the biggest and they will probably remember you when you contact them later.
Or, sometimes you fly blind and don’t know what you are walking into. I’ve had this happen and for me, I use smiling along with memorable lines and friendly chat. Be genuine in what you say and if you say it with conviction, you have a better chance at being memorable. Use a witty or funny line and they definitely won’t forget you. Being their BFF is not the objective. The objective is to connect with someone, just be yourself and have a plan in mind on how you want to network. You don’t need to talk with everyone (unless you want to and have the time) but make the most of your time at the event. And, if you’ve done your research and see someone on the guest list you would like to talk with, be sure to find them, make that introduction and SMILE!
Art is something that makes you feel good and moves you in some way. Networking is too, or it should be. Your plan should be who, what, where, when and why. Those are the things you need to ask yourself in relation to the event - make it part of your plan to be true to yourself, have passion and conviction about your business and how you speak about it. Lastly, networking is an art because it follows the rules artists follow when thinking about what their next masterpiece is going to do or be. If you don’t want to be a starving artist, make networking a part of your business life and always think about how to approach each event, each person and memorable lines you want to say. And, by all means, put a big grin on that kisser!
written by Di Stamper, Account Manager at Bare Knuckle Marketing 2013
That’s what most people think. “I’ll go to this event, show up, pass out a few business cards and get back to work or home in time for dinner.” Well, I beg to differ in a major way about networking, especially using this kind of mindset when approaching a networking event.
Art involves creative and critical thinking. So does networking. To be successful in networking the principles are the same: dress the part, create a positive, business mindset, then plan on how to network when at the event. For example, if you are attending for the first time, go through the guest list (you can usually get access to this if you sign up online) and see if there’s anyone you know that’s going. Get in touch with this person and see if you can get information on how the event is conducted. Some events have people introduce themselves and give a short speech on what your business is and what your role is in the business. The last line of your speech should be something memorable, such as “I’m Joe from HyperSo and I want to do something outrageous today.” Do you think that line might be memorable? Of course it is...most people don’t say things like that. Be as creative or as conservative as you feel comfortable but make that last line memorable!
For the networking events that are more learning based, you might get there early, get your seat and then walk around and see who you know. If there is no one there you know, still be sure to smile at people and make it a goal to speak to at least 2-5 people before the session begins. After the session, you might get a chance to talk with a few people, but I’ve found that if it’s learning based, the best time to network is before the class begins, while getting coffee, a drink or hanging up your coat. While you walk around, smile and make eye contact, and take a moment to say hello, at the very least. If the session is beginning and there’s someone you wanted to talk with, let them you that you would like to talk after the session. Ask them politely if you might speak with them after the event. They will either say yes or no, I can’t. And if not, be sure to ask for a business card to get contact information and let them know you will be in touch. .
Art is about expression. So is networking. How you express yourself is the difference between people understanding what you are trying to say, or express, to them. For example, if I wanted to talk with Joe from HyperSo, I might begin with a catchy or funny line. I might say “Hi Joe, from HyperSo, who’s in the know. AND SMILE!!! I cannot stress this enough for networking or any meeting you have. I studied broadcasting and was told to smile whenever you spoke because “people hear you smiling.” And it’s true! Practice in the mirror or record yourself...say a sentence without a smile and then say it again with a big ol’ grin. Which one sounds better??? The smiling sentence, of course. If you want to be approachable (and you do!) wearing a smile is the best way to be perceived as approachable. A smile is always your best asset!
Now that you’ve arrived early at the event, listened to the speaker and are are getting ready to pack up and leave, look around. Look at the people that are there and see if there’s someone in close proximity to talk with, briefly, or if there’s someone across the room, make your way over there. Then, introduce yourself and if they can’t talk, get their contact information - usually a business card. Try to give them a memorable line, if possible, but if not, be the person that smiles the biggest and they will probably remember you when you contact them later.
Or, sometimes you fly blind and don’t know what you are walking into. I’ve had this happen and for me, I use smiling along with memorable lines and friendly chat. Be genuine in what you say and if you say it with conviction, you have a better chance at being memorable. Use a witty or funny line and they definitely won’t forget you. Being their BFF is not the objective. The objective is to connect with someone, just be yourself and have a plan in mind on how you want to network. You don’t need to talk with everyone (unless you want to and have the time) but make the most of your time at the event. And, if you’ve done your research and see someone on the guest list you would like to talk with, be sure to find them, make that introduction and SMILE!
Art is something that makes you feel good and moves you in some way. Networking is too, or it should be. Your plan should be who, what, where, when and why. Those are the things you need to ask yourself in relation to the event - make it part of your plan to be true to yourself, have passion and conviction about your business and how you speak about it. Lastly, networking is an art because it follows the rules artists follow when thinking about what their next masterpiece is going to do or be. If you don’t want to be a starving artist, make networking a part of your business life and always think about how to approach each event, each person and memorable lines you want to say. And, by all means, put a big grin on that kisser!
written by Di Stamper, Account Manager at Bare Knuckle Marketing 2013
