The holiday season has started and likely the invitations are flowing in. This is a great opportunity to brush up on your networking skills while having fun and enjoying yourself; rather than being freaked out or uncomfortable at the prospect of attending a “networking” event.
The following are The Top 10 Ways to Work a Room as provided by Patrick von Pander the Big Picture Coach.
1. Be prepared by packing more than enough business cards for the event.
There are few things more tragic than connecting with an ideal prospect and having run out of business cards. Keep
stashes of business cards in places like your car, jackets, wallet or purse.
2. Wear your nametag on the right-hand side of the shoulder area so it is in the line of sight when shaking hands.
3. Act as if you belong there.
Socializing is supposed to be enjoyable. Have fun! Most everyone is there for the same reason; meeting new people!
4. Almost everyone watches the entrance to the room – use it to your advantage.
Stand up straight, walk INTO the room, pause, scan the room and allow others to see you.
5. Don’t rush for the buffet or bar immediately.
It’s counterproductive to your agenda of meeting new people and making contacts.
6. Find the host shortly after arriving to thank them and to make your presence known.
It shows you are grateful and supportive of the event. They’re also usually well-connected.
7. Approach someone standing alone or groups of 3 or more.
Avoid two people since they may be deep in conversation and harder to approach.
8. Play to the Multi-Media aspects of First Impressions.
Cater to 3 important senses. Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, smile, and let your first sentence flow easily. This shows respect for you and for the other person and maximizes your first impression.
9. Don’t carry anything in your right hand.
It should be free for handshaking. Holding a glass in your left hand also avoids a cold, wet, clammy handshake – not the
first impression you might be hoping for.
10. Ask open-ended questions that Navigate By Curiosity
how or what – rather than – do or are you – which may simply give you a – yes or no – response.
Focus more on the other person than yourself. Think – there you are, not – here I am.
There you have it – practice these 10 tips over the holidays or at your next networking event and let us know how you do.