If you find networking events about as much fun as pulling teeth, you might want to take a closer look at what you’re doing wrong. Communication specialist and all-round social guru Rachel Green shares some tips that will stop you being a wallflower and help you to bloom instead.
Don't sit with the people you came with
Networking is an opportunity for you to meet new people; don't waste it.
Don't sit down early
It's easier to network and mingle standing up. Once you've sat down you may feel less inclined to move.
Don't arrive unprepared
Think in advance of topics you can talk about, how you can introduce yourself, what your latest news is, and how many people you will try and meet.
Don't answer questions with short responses
If someone asks you "What do you do?" or a similar question, appreciate that they are showing an interest in you and trying to engage you in conversation. Therefore be generous in your reply. If you only say "Personal Assistant" or "Health Inspector" or "Solicitor at Freehills" you've just killed the conversation. Instead, say more about what your job involves and even move on to other things you like to do.
Don't only talk work
Even if you are at a business function you don't have to restrict yourself to only talking work. Networking is about building relationships. Therefore conversations can explore what you might jointly be interested in outside of work, or providing assistance or information in any area of life.
Don't get stuck in a corner
Some networking functions don't use large rooms and may have only small spaces available, for example if it's at a restaurant. Make sure you aren't backed into a corner. It's much harder to escape and mingle.
Don't only talk to people you know
If there are new people at the function go and meet them. Get to know them. Help them get to know the people you know.
Don't forget your business cards
Business cards aren't everything but they are important. I'm surprised how often I go to networking events and people haven't brought their cards or haven't given them out or haven't put them on a networking table. If there's a networking table make sure you're on it.
Don't kill conversation with closed questions
Closed questions such as "Have you been before?", "Isn't it hot outside?", "Did you have a good holiday?" or "Are you busy at work?", can all close down conversation very quickly (and often unintentionally). Why? Because the only answer required is "Yes" or "No". Avoid such questions. Instead, ask more open-ended ones such as "What kinds of things do you like to do in your spare time?" or "What kinds of things does your job involve?"
Don't stay on one seat
If you're attending a breakfast, luncheon or dinner, move seats. It's easy to do this between courses or as soon as the meal is over. That way you'll meet more people.
Rachel Green is an award winning communication specialist and public speaker. She also offers many services to help people to develop their communication skills and emotional intelligence for greater clarity, calm and confidence. For more information visit www.rachelgreen.com or call +61 8 9390 1188.
