All Encompassing Tips
Come Early, Stay Late
Inexperienced networkers come to meetings late and leave as soon as the speaker has finished. The best opportunities for networking are before the start of the formal program and immediately after the program.
Body Language
Body language speaks volumes. In fact, communication is only 7% verbal and 93% body language, tone of voice, speed and facial expressions. Strive to exhibit open and welcoming signals.
Point your heart towards those you with whom you are conversing. Stand up straight, head up, stomach in, chest out and shoulders back. Feet should be shoulder-width apart. While chatting with a person, try to form an incomplete triangle which will invite others into the conversation. To create more comfort in a conversation, mirror your partner’s body language. Lean forward if they are leaned forward, cross your arms if theirs are crossed. This will add to your likeability.
A crushing handshake sends out a wrong signal, whereas a limp one leaves much to be desired. If you are not sure how much power to use, practice on some friends and ask their opinion. Extend your hand, hold the person’s hand firmly, shake it (three times maximum) and then let go. A light wipe on your handkerchief or clothes before you shake hands is a good idea for sweaty-palmed folks.
Maintain Eye Contact
Maintaining eye contact with each person you meet is vital. Letting your eyes wander while in conversation indicates that you are not interested in what they have to say. Try to focus on the area between the eyes and eyebrows.
Smile and the whole world smiles with you
Leave your problems at the door and put on a smile. By being more approachable, you will meet more people.
Initiate
Take action! Always offer help and support through sharing of ideas, contacts and information.
Go alone.
Going solo in a networking event encourages people to approach you and makes it easy to mingle and initiate conversations. Moving around in packs intimidate others instead. Bear in mind that you are there to grow your network, not for a reunion with friends.
Have you ever received a bone-crushing handshake? Or perhaps you were trying to talk to a person who does not look at you in the eye at all? Tell us any anecdotes you have experienced or extra tips you think we should include here.
Image: Flickr/065/365: Show us your smile!
I do agree that going into networking sessions in groups certainly intimidates others from joining in the conversation. You would also want to obtain *exclusive* information or contacts from the “big boss” you networked with. Going in packs defeats the purpose of exclusivity and making the IMPRESSION.
However, for newbies, I do suggest going in pairs and with someone of the same interests so that your partner can build on the topic should you run out of ideas to contribute to a meaningful conversation.
I do agree that going into networking sessions in groups certainly intimidates others from joining in the conversation. You would also want to obtain *exclusive* information or contacts from the “big boss” you networked with. Going in packs defeats the purpose of exclusivity and making the IMPRESSION.
However, for newbies, I do suggest going in pairs and with someone of the same interests so that your partner can build on the topic should you run out of ideas to contribute to a meaningful conversation.