Look alive!

It can be tiring if your business or job requires you to attend several networking functions a month. Especially if you attend after-hours functions, after putting in a long day at the office. Yet, it’s still important to use your networking investment (whether it’s time or money, or both) to your best, to be the most productive.

Here are some tips on how to “Look Alive!” at your next networking function:

Schedule networking activities thoughtfully: While it’s tempting sometimes (especially when your pipeline isn’t full) to fill your calendar with networking activities, be careful not to over-book yourself. This tends to happen when people open a new month in their calendar, see wide open spaces, and then fill it up with every single networking activity they’re aware of. Instead, put some thought into it, and make your networking schedule realistic. Before adding a networking function to your calendar, think: is the market of people you want to network with attending? Will this be an opportunity for you to grow your network, or is it really just a social engagement? Do you have enough time in the you’re scheduling to attend, or will you be doing a “pop-in”?

If you’re committed to attend, BE PRESENT: If you choose to attend a networking activity, make sure that you are actually present – and that doesn’t mean present as in showing up, but present by participating. Try not to be a “clock watcher”, killing the appropriate amount of time you think you should hang around. Really spend your time getting to know people, and being open and approachable. People can really sense when others don’t want to be there, so be sure if you are engaged in conversation, that you are giving people your undivided attention.

Try not to be a “wall flower”: It’s easy to just “blend in” at a networking function, especially if you have an introverted personality. Unfortunately that may cause you to miss opportunities, and can lead to being a waste of your networking investment. If you’re on the shy side, and find it difficult to get involved, try these two tips:

• Help out the host(s): Offer to greet people, take coats, serve food or drinks, help with registration. An activity will give you focus, and that will help you to naturally start introductions. Plus, the hosts will most likely appreciate the help!
• Effective ice-breaker to introduce yourself: If you absolutely have to “work the room” flying solo, an easy and effective way to introduce yourself to someone is to simply approach another person by saying, “Hi, I’m (Your Name), we haven’t met yet!” (And use your Almighty Handshake from last week’s article). This will immediately break the ice – odds are the other person was trying to think of a way to approach you!

Just relax, and have fun: Think of the networking function as an opportunity to make some new friends, enjoy a great venue and possibly enjoy some great refreshments. Don’t overthink what you “need to get” by attending, think about what you can offer others, and the good time you’re sure to have.

(c) 2008 Barbara Beal-Lopez, “The Elevator Pitch Coach” with Brightfarm Productions helps business professionals introduce themselves with high impact. Everything in business starts with an introduction. If you’re ready to learn how to introduce yourself and your business professionally and comfortably, visit Barbara at www.brightfarm.com and sign up for free weekly tips.