Feeling awkward at networking events??

[Calcul8or]

Originally Posted by MatthewKeath

I hope you enjoyed it!

I did indeed, and would thoroughly recommend them to all Melbourne-based Soloists! Seriously well done, great venue and the ladies from Handle Your Own PR were engaging and knowledgeable and taught me more about PR than I had ever thought about before.

Originally Posted by MatthewKeath

I am not sure I got round to meeting you, so I hope you will come to our next one so we can get to know each other better.

No we didn't get to meet personally this time as I had to head of as much as I would have liked to stick around longer. But I will come definitely come to the next one, and make a point of saying hi!...and handing you a business card! hehehe

[Couple It]

Approach the scariest person in the room first...after that, everyone else will be a breeze.

And make notes on the back of any business cards you receive - name of the event you met them, any other points that will help you remember them when you look at their card next. Otherwise they all tend to blur into each other lol

Wendy

[Gordan]

I personally feel quite uncomfortable at networking events as to me it seems like "forced friends" sort of thing, its not natural.

Thats just me, I still go to them though and meet people even though im not a big fan.

[bridiej]

Spot on Matthew, I think that's the mistake the majority make: they just sell, sell, sell.

[Khalid Adam]

I believe there should be a rule against promoting one's business. Maybe i'm harsh but how many have been put off from networking because of amateurs?

Networking to me is more about intellectual stimulation. it's not about promoting or doing business. Engage/enchant me with interesting industry news.

For example, if i met a SEO person, i prefer to hear about the recent panda and penguin updates, how companies have been affected & why + what are their thoughts on it.

Originally Posted by bridiej

Spot on Matthew, I think that's the mistake the majority make: they just sell, sell, sell.

[King]

but then in smaller centres, to still get the clusters of those who know each other, forming wagon wheel conversation groups with backs preventing unknowns from participating.

That is one of the major barriers

[sarahjoy]

Originally Posted by Couple It

make notes on the back of any business cards you receive - name of the event you met them, any other points that will help you remember them when you look at their card next.

Very good advice - I've only recently started doing this and it's such a good idea! That way next time you flip through your stack of business cards, the ones you need are much easier to find

[marnieb]

I could have written this post. I used to DREAD networking events. I'd be awkward from the minute I decided to go to a networking event.

I think you really have to ditch all the salesy garbage and just be yourself. GENUINELY be there to meet people, NOT to sell. Somehow, it gets easier after that.

[Brett N/Nerds Computer]

Hi King,

I suspect that one of the key things that make s you nervous is what makes so many other people nervous. You don't know these people.

Here is some advice:

1. Make it your mission to find at least one thing that you have in common with every person you meet.

2. When you meet a person use their name three times

3. Smile, it will help you and your fellow networker happy

4. Give the person your with your undivided attention.

Networking events should not be seen as an opportunity to try to make a sale. Rather see it as a chance to get to know people.

If people know what you do and they like you the sales will come naturally. If networking is not working try another strategy.

Happy Networking!

Brett

[gen Y advantage]

Everyone's most favourite subject in the world is themselves - talk about them and get to know them. Networking should be about how YOU can help them, not the other way around. (What is their biggest problem, who is their ideal client, who do you know that you can connect them with...)

The important thing is to followup after. Send a thank you email, ask them to meet over coffee, share something that they'd find useful or introduce them to someone. Once you start helping others, the more they will feel like helping you in return. Pay it forward.

Linda Le
http://www.genYadvantage.com.au