| Author: Marcia Zidle |
You approach a stranger at an association meeting or industry conference with you arm outstretched and say: Hi. My name is.. And youre off and running. Theres an art to successful networking and business development. Rather than just exchange pleasantries you can gather information, gain allies, and explore potential opportunities. Here are ten tips to help you connect with people immediately, develop meaningful conversations and move on to profitable relationships. - Come prepared. Have two or three openers that you can use with a variety of people you meet. That way, you wont fumble for something to say when you first meet someone. Some examples: What drew you here today? Have you seen any good movies lately? What did you find particularly interesting about the presentation?
- Do your homework. Before attending a meeting or networking event, find out the names and backgrounds of key people who will be there. Also note any recent achievements that they have attained. When you arrive, look for someone official and request an introduction to one of them. Offer your congratulations and ask a question that will get them talking about their background or achievement.
- Create an agenda. People often dread small talk situations because they say, I dont have anything to talk about or I dont know what to talk about. Actually the problem is that there have too much to talk aboutan entire universe of topicsnot nothing to say. Narrow down your conversation options by making two lists.
On the get list put what you want to find, understand or learn more about. Maybe its connections into xyz company, or where to get inexpensive office supplies, or recommendation for the best Mexican restaurant in town. On your give list put your ideas, areas of expertise, hobbies, people you know, ideas for weekend jaunts with kids, your experience on developing a company website or a great article on bringing down the cost of doing business, etc. Going into a room with a prepared agenda---information you want to get and information you are happy to give---provides a focus for your networking and a direction for your conversations. - Enter a room confidently. Next time youre at a social or business gathering, notice how people come into a room. Do they come in head high, smiling, and upbeat or eyes down, serious and scared? Are they sending out signals that say: Im approachable or Dont talk to me. When you enter a room, what signals do you send out to others?
- Listen and learn. Once youve asked your opening question, listen patiently to the persons answer. Allow the speaker to elaborate without rushing to jump in. Be thinking, What can I give to this person? Whats on my agenda?
- Focus your attention. Avoid the canned nod-and-smile approach with eyes roaming the room to see who else is there. Continue to ask engaging questions. If youre friendly and genuinely curious, others will feel comfortable talking with you.
- Find common ground. Only after the person has told his story, then share your thoughts and experiences. If you find something you both can relate to, that establishes a bond that can lead to further exchanges. Be open to the magic of where the conversation can take you.
- Ask for their help. Most people enjoy helping others. Therefore what is it that you want to get? Use your agenda to find someone who has written an article youve enjoyed, or can introduce you to the speaker, or give you ideas for your upcoming project.
- Show appreciation. At some point, you will feel that its time to move on because the discussion is winding down or perhaps the event is starting. Dont leave abruptly. Rather, acknowledge the conversation and the help youve received. It's been good to talk with you. Thanks for the job lead. I plan to call him tomorrow. Or, Glad to have met you and to hear about the upcoming conference.
- Explain the next step. If you want to continue the relationship, conclude with what you're going to do next or what you expect of the other person.
I'll send you that article tomorrow.
I'll see you at the next meeting.
Lets set up a time when we can get together to go over the program. Preparation, a focused agenda, active listening, and an adventuresome attitude are the keys to successfully meeting and greeting a roomful of strangers. Remember, nothing ventured, nothing gained. |
Author Bio:
Marcia Zidle
Marcia Zidle, M.S. N.C.C., the ?people smarts? coach, works with business, government and community leaders to quickly solve their people management headaches so they can concentrate on their #1 job ? to grow and increase profits. Her services include:
- What Really Works Handbooks ? resources for managers and supervisors on the front line
- Power-by-the-Hour Programs ? fast, convenient, real life, affordable courses for leadership and staff development
- Your Strategic Partner ? support to leaders who are in positions of high expectations, high visibility and high payoff.
Marcia is founder of Leadership Hooks, a business coaching company, which helps executive teams, operations managers, business owners and agency directors to move their organizations from seat-of-the-pants to feet-on-the-ground leadership.
She brings over 20 years experience from a wide variety of workplace settings, countries, and industries including: health care, financial services, professional practices, automotive and light manufacturing, energy, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, event management, education, non-profits, local and state government.
Finally, Marcia's ?claim to fame? is experiencing expatriate living with her family in Scandinavia and Australia. She has traveled in over 30 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, Far East, and South Pacific. She welcomes invitations to speak internationally so that she can add to her growing list of interesting places to explore.
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