Have you ever felt awkward at networking? Found yourself internally rehearsing conversations? Do you shy away from meet and greet events? Put those negative thoughts aside and read on to learn ways that you can ace the networking game.
Bill Murphy Jr., executive editor at TheMid.com and founder of ProGhostwriters.com, shares some easy-to-implement habits you can develop to become a network more effectively:
- Do your homework. Research on who is going to be there so that you have an idea of who you want to meet with when you get there. Also, be informed and in a frame of mind to make interesting conversation that doesn’t seemed forced.
- Read the room correctly. Look for people and groups that are inviting. You do not want to barge into a somewhat private conversation.
- Be helpful. See networking events as an opportunity to be a facilitator. Make introductions, be the information hub and the go-to person.
- Be ready to shake hands. Make sure you always have your right hand free to be extended to shake hands. After all, you are there for that very purpose.
- Study body language and eye contact. Read a person before approaching them. People who are willing to make conversations have specific body language cues such as an open stance or open shoulders and relaxed hands.
- Focus on quality over quantity. Strive to make meaningful connections than to just walk away with a bunch of business cards.
- Love the one you’re with. Whenever you speak to a person, give them your complete attention and interest.
- Be humble and authentic. You don’t need to be the center of attention to win at networking. Be smart, confident and modest. People will appreciate those qualities and your authenticity in being the true you.
- Talk with people who aren’t talking to anyone. Be human—just because some may be alone at social event, doesn’t mean they offer less value. Perhaps they just find it difficult to strike up conversations. Your compassion and the effort you make to connect with individuals will help you make lasting connections.
What do you find works best for you during networking events? Get the complete story at: http://www.inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/9-smart-habits-of-highly-effective-networkers.html
Thanks for reading and until next time… stay WISE!