People can make connections everywhere – at job fairs, chamber or association gatherings and even at the farmer’s market. Attending networking events is not to be overlooked when it comes to establishing solid connections.
Face-to-face interacting remains an essential part of growing professionally, no matter how robust your social media presence may be. Speaking with another professional in person allows for a more solid and memorable experience. You are better able to read body language and adjust the flow of conversation in real time.
Networking is a deliberate effort to meet new people and create solid connections, truly a skill to be honed and developed. When approached with intention and consistency, networking is like planting seeds; with some preparation, care and time, it has the potential to grow into something fruitful.
At a social or professional function, a mixer or a meal, follow these 9 etiquette tips for making the most of your next networking opportunity.
Be Genuine
Networking’s image problem comes from the idea that it’s done with superficial glad-handing and getting in strangers’ faces with a sales pitch. The right way to go about it is with the goal of interacting with new people. You’re not selling a product or your company, but simply broadening your professional network.
Remain Open Minded
The intern you snub today may be the CEO of the next firm where you apply, so meet others with sincere interest, regardless of the title on their nametag. You never know where an acquaintance can lead, so be open to meeting anyone at the event, not just people you think can benefit you. People have a way of picking up on your motives, yet another reason to look for the best in any situation.
It’s Not About the All You Can Eat Buffet
Always eat a small snack before you go. While there may be tables of delicious foods, your goal is to meet people, not score a free meal. Eating in advance prevents you from being ravenous at the event and makes it easier to negotiate a crowd and start a conversation without a mouth full of Swedish meatballs.
Get them Talking
The secret to being a brilliant conversationalist is to ask open-ended questions. Most people love talking about themselves, especially when others show interest. Questions will help you find common ground. Start with something simple like asking them how they know the host or how they are involved with the event’s sponsoring organization. From there you can talk about your careers, your industries or other things going on in the world (avoiding political or other controversial topics).
Put Your Phone Away
Turn your ringer to silent and keep it out of sight. Taking a call or checking a text in the middle of a conversation doesn’t make you look like a go-getting VIP multi-tasker, it makes you look like you are not interested in talking to the person in front of you. If you need to check your phone, do so when you are between conversations, stepping away for a private moment instead of checking while you’re standing in front of someone.
Play Your Cards Right
Don’t pass out your business cards like they’re candy, but give them freely to those you would sincerely like to stay in touch. A business card can be a helpful cue for remembering you since people tend to forget names easily. Ask others for their cards if you would like to stay in contact.
Extend Your Hand
Your goal is to be the first to extend your hand for a handshake. It’s always appropriate during an introduction, a greeting or when bringing a conversation to a close. Make sure your handshake is firm and solid, not too limp and not crushing. Keep your drink in your left hand so your right hand remains open, warm and dry for a physical hand to hand connection.
Remember Names
When meeting someone new, it’s easy to be so focused on creating a good impression that you forget to pay attention when they tell you their name. To counteract this tendency, try repeating their name out loud when they introduce themselves. Before ending the conversation, if you’ve forgotten their name, ask them to remind you.
Have an Exit Strategy
Even if you’re having a great time chatting, keep in mind that everyone is there for the same purpose: to forge relationships with new people. To avoid monopolizing someone’s time, let them go after five or ten minutes so both of you can meet others. Here’s a sample closing line: “I know there are probably other people here you want to meet, so I will let you go, but I’ve really enjoyed talking with you and look forward to keeping in touch.”
You may also like Diane’s Networking Etiquette Quiz. For more etiquette tips, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow Diane on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.
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