Shanghai Networking News - How to Work a Room - 5 Techniques For Effective Networking

Ever heard of the old adage, "It's not what you know, it's who you know?" How do you meet people in your profession? Well, one method is to meet people at industry seminars and conferences. Imagine being in a conference ballroom filled with people. How do you start a conversation with a total stranger?

Ever heard of the old adage, "It's not what you know, it's who you know?" How do you meet people in your profession? Well, one method is to meet people at industry seminars and conferences.

Imagine being in a conference ballroom filled with people. How do you start a conversation with a total stranger? Before you even begin, think of what you can offer. That's what networking is all about. Give first and goodness will come back to you.

For example, at a networking session in 1998, I met a woman named Michelle who was looking for a training manager's job. I put her in contact with a friend of mine who hired her. Years later, Michelle let me know of resources that helped my business. She wanted to help me because I had assisted her first. People want to return kindness.

At one of my recent presentations skills seminars, I watched attendees attempt to network during the lunch break. But, they hesitated because they did not know whom to approach first. Here is the secret: approach groups containing three people. While two of them are chatting to each other, the third person will usually start talking to you (and probably feel relieved since they were the "odd person out" in the group of three.)

For example, when people ask me what I do, I respond, "Have you ever sat through a boring business presentation? Well, I specialize in training business people on how to give more dynamic presentations that motivate people to action."

Stating the problem first i.e. "boring business presentations" shows you understand the problem. Stating a solution shows how you can fix the problem.

Here is a tip: use two suit pockets or two compartments in your purse. Have your own cards in one pocket and use the other pocket to store cards you have received from other people. The benefit is you will never get confused and accidentally give out someone else's card by mistake.

Bring a pen. After meeting someone, make a note about any key points they have made or any way you can be of assistance to them. If you have committed to help someone with information, write it down so you can follow up later.

Ask them about their biggest need or challenge. Then think of a resource to help them. It may not be something you do. But you may know someone who can help them with their challenge.

Networking is about creating mutually beneficial relationships. The more people you help, the more people will want to help you. So, use these five techniques to meet more people at your next business mixer, seminar or conference.

Mike Aoki is a corporate trainer and motivational speaker with 20 years of experience in the telecom industry. For more free tips on public speaking, sales and call center techniques, visit http://www.reflectivekeynotes.com/articles.htm

Comments

Add New

RSS