Feeling awkward at networking events??

[King]

Well I do - often feel like a sack of spuds !!

I came across this article (while looking for something else, but hey that's fate!). I feel it has some good info.

Small talk techniques

Do you have a favoured small talk technique to add?

[bridiej]

It can be hard. I used to try and "work the room" and honestly didn't really have a clue what I was doing.

Then I purchased The FT Guide to Business Networking, which changed the way I network. It helped me understand what I needed to do, and how to stop selling when I spoke to people.

I also concentrate on getting to know 3 new people at each event - it makes it more manageable, you can have a proper talk without feeling you need to cut it short to move onto someone else and it helps build your referrer network better than chatting to hundreds of different people who can't remember you.

http://www.bridiestypingservices.com...the-rule-of-3/

[KarenC]

A friend/colleague of mine, Robyn Henderson, is dedicated to networking and was one of the first to promote it many years ago.

She has written a number of books that you can purchase direct from her and gives workshops. See http://www.networkingtowin.com.au/

Cheers,
Karen C.

[sarahjoy]

Originally Posted by King

Well I do - often feel like a sack of spuds !!

I came across this article (while looking for something else, but hey that's fate!). I feel it has some good info.

Small talk techniques

Do you have a favoured small talk technique to add?

That was a pretty good article - some solid tips in there!

I always love being at networking events once I get there, but I have to spend a while psyching myself up first! It takes a conscious effort to get out of my comfort zone and spend the time being fully there and making connections.

[FS Concierge]

Nice article Matt, thanks for sharing it

You're certainly not alone in feeling this way... you might also like to check out Peter's Confessions of a networking wimp, and the comments that follow it.

(And I love the new avatar, by the way!)

Jayne

[MatthewKeath]

I have been running networking events for over a year now, and I think the article has some good points

Number one in my book is LISTEN and ASK QUESTIONS. If you go trying to sell, or to push a cheesy elevator pitch, you are doing it wrong. Networking is not about selling, it's about (surprisingly enough) networking.

Also, don't find somebody to talk to and then ignore the rest of the group however tempting it is. Try and get around and meet at least 3 people, then at the next one meet another three. Don't scuttle around the room like a crab on speed, people do not like it when you talk at them while looking around for somebody else to talk to. Very rude.

When in doubt simply picture them in their underwear

We have an event on tomorrow night with over 80 ticketed punters coming along which is the most we have ever had, so I am looking forward to that.

[Calcul8or]

Looking forward to the event at the Honey Bar Matthew, and onya for organising it! :-)

While the networking success of people attending such gatherings depends largely on themselves, I also think that the organisers play a massive role in ensuring attendees feel comfortable and included in the proceedings.

As in any social situation, I guess the key is to relax and not put too much pressure on yourself by doing things like thinking that you HAVE to speak to as many people as you can, or that you MUST hand out your business card to all and sundry.

[Khalid Adam]

act like the host, ask open ended and engaging questions, stop pushing business cards ( i haven't had one since 2005), make the intent of just making connections and networking becomes a piece of cake.

When i do networking, my goal is to identify future JV partners. That's it.

[MatthewKeath]

Originally Posted by Calcul8or

Looking forward to the event at the Honey Bar Matthew, and onya for organising it! :-)

I hope you enjoyed it!

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.

Originally Posted by Khalid Adam

act like the host, ask open ended and engaging questions, stop pushing business cards ( i haven't had one since 2005), make the intent of just making connections and networking becomes a piece of cake.

When i do networking, my goal is to identify future JV partners. That's it.

Good advice, but I personally like business cards because it helps me remember who I talked to, and it's a handy way of getting a copy of their email and phone without having to write it down.

I don't push cards, but I do ask everyone I talk to to give me one.

[Khalid Adam]

I didn't say that i don't take THEIR business cards

Originally Posted by MatthewKeath

Good advice, but I personally like business cards because it helps me remember who I talked to, and it's a handy way of getting a copy of their email and phone without having to write it down.

I don't push cards, but I do ask everyone I talk to to give me one.