BE POSITIVE. If you go into a social situation or networking event thinking you will
have a horrible time, you will have a horrible time. If you go thinking, "I can have an
interesting, good time," you are much more likely to have a positive experience.
- CARRY YOUR
BUSINESS CARDS WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES. You don't have to give them out, nor should you plan on emptying half a box per event, but if you need
to give someone your card you'll be prepared.
Meet and Greet
ENTER THE ROOM LIKE YOU BELONG THERE. Use good posture,
keep your
head up, smile, and have a deliberate stride. After you enter, stop for a moment and get
an overview of the room so you know where everything and everyone is located. Greet
the hosts if there are any.
- FOLLOW THE 10-5 RULE. If you make eye contact with someone
within 10 feet of
you, you should acknowledge that person with a nod or a smile. At 5 feet you should
offer a verbal greeting, such as "Hello" or "Good morning." These guidelines
apply both
to people you know and to those you don't know. It drives people crazy when others
pretend they don't see them!
Mingle with Meaning
JOIN GROUPS OF THREE OR MORE. As you move out of your
safety zone,
challenge yourself to approach larger groups of people-you'll interact with more people
and you won't have as much of a burden to make conversation. Simply approach the
group, listen to the conversation for a while, and when appropriate, add your comments.
- NEVER
SIT WITH OTHERS WITHOUT INTRODUCING YOURSELF. If you're
seated at a table, introduce yourself to everyone at the table, if that's possible. Make
a
special effort to turn to the people on either side of you, say hello, and introduce
yourself.
Get the Conversation Going
-
HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY. You will feel much more
able to approach others
when you have something to say. Read newspapers or newsmagazines so you'll know
what's going on in the world. Read your professional journals and newsletters so you'll
know what's going on in your field. Be aware of any special events happening in your
city.
-
ASK QUESTIONS. To encourage another person to talk, ask open-ended questions
that
require more than a yes or no or simple answer. For example, instead of asking, "How
long have you been with your company?" or "Are you a member of the organization?"
ask, "You seem so knowledgeable; what's your background?" Or "How did
you get
involved with the group?"
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