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Cutting-Edge Networking
When Working a Room at Meetings
1. Assume the
cutting-edge networking attitude by developing aggressive
communication skills, aggressive giving skills and aggressive
receiving skills. Develop inner sales talk that says, They need
me; I am a vast resource for them; I am here to develop business
for others and for myself.
2. Have an
action plan before attending the meeting: Who will you meet? How
will you be pro-active? How will you follow-up?
3. Act like a
host or hostess by mingling, making introductions, keeping
things moving. Be pro-active, not reactive, and make the first
move.
4. Arrive early
if you do not know anyone and introduce yourself to the
organizers by saying, I am a first-time attendee and would like
to meet people who. . . Can you point me in the right direction?
5. Be prepared
with conversation openers and questions. Develop the skill of
small talk.
6. Always give
your business card and then take that of others. If the other
person does not have a card, offer him a pen and your own
business card (after defacing the front of it) and ask for his
pertinent information.
7. Approach
assertively a pre-engaged group. If no one acknowledges you
(this is poor networking etiquette) then move closer into the
group, showing an interest with obvious listening feedback to
the speaker. Apply the rubbing elbows technique to get the
attention of the speaker.
8. Keep
yourself from being cornered by a monopolizer by going for a
drink, offering to introduce him to others, mentioning that your
conversation should be continued at a later time when both of
you will be able to spend the time it deserved. Acknowledge the
fact that you are there to network and mingle with as many
people as possible.
9. Never sit
with people you already know, unless there are business reasons
for sitting with them.
Cutting-edge
networking is a business development strategy to market your
product service company you. Use it assertively, diligently and
actively. Act like radar!
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